What if the earth could no longer sustain the growth of humanity? A new report by the Royal Society, a prominent British scientific organization, and the London School of Economics predicts that this will happen in 100 years. The report found that global population is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100. At this point, human activity may have already pushed Earth beyond its limits. For example, agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. As water becomes more scarce, farmers are forced to pump more ground water, which can lead to desertification.
"Unless we change course, human activities will inflict unprecedented and irreversible damage on the Earth's systems," said Professor Sir Robert Watson, chair of the Royal Society working group that authored the report. "The Earth is finite. We cannot continue to use resources at the current rate without damaging them and risking catastrophic consequences."
Some experts are urging immediate action to address these concerns. Others are not so sure that things are as bad as they seem. Professor Adrian Smith of the London School of Economics says that it's still possible for humanity to find a way to thrive within the earth's limits. "I am an optimist," he said. "I believe that humans are capable of great achievements."water for irrigation would dry up, contributing to desertification.
Some experts are urging immediate action to address these concerns. Others are not so sure that things are as bad as they seem. Professor Adrian Smith of the London School of Economics says that it's still possible for humanity to find a way to thrive within the earth's limits. "I am an optimist," he said. "I believe that humans are capable of great achievements."
It is clear that we need to find a way to live sustainably on this planet if we want future generations to have a chance at a good life. We cannot continue on our current path – it is leading us straight to disaster. It is time for all of us to take a hard look at the ways we are impacting the earth and make some serious changes. The future of humanity depends on it.
It is clear that we need to find a way to live sustainably on this planet if we want future generations to have a chance at a good life. We cannot continue on our current path – it is leading us straight to disaster. It is time for all of us to take a hard look at the ways we are impacting the earth and make some serious changes. The future of humanity depends on it.