The UN’s most comprehensive-ever environmental study has indicated that humanity’s degradation of the planet’s natural resources is occurring more quickly than the earth can cope with. In a report released on Wednesday, scientists from around the world said humanity was now responsible for about half of all global warming since 1950. It argues that unless radical action is taken, the prosperity of the developed world will be unsustainable. The study identified water scarcity as a particular issue for many of the world’s poorest areas. Climate change, population growth, urbanisation, land degradation and increasing consumption all place water sources under threat. The study also found that basic measures to combat environmental damage were not being implemented, meaning that despite efforts by governments, the rate of damage was increasing across the globe. If they follow the same pattern of growth, then the danger of irreparable environmental damage will intensify, the study’s authors conclude. Finally, the report called for a greater consideration of the environmental consequences of development.
The UN’s most comprehensive-ever environmental study has indicated that humanity’s degradation of the planet’s natural resources is occurring more quickly than the earth can cope with. In a report released on Wednesday, scientists from around the world said humanity was now responsible for about half of all global warming since 1950. It argues that unless radical action is taken, the prosperity of the developed world will be unsustainable. The study identified water scarcity as a particular issue for many of the world’s poorest areas. Climate change, population growth, urbanisation, land degradation and increasing consumption all place water sources under threat. The study also found that basic measures to combat environmental damage were not being implemented, meaning that despite efforts by governments, the rate of damage was increasing across the globe. Finally, the report called for a greater consideration of the environmental consequences of development.