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2008 |
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The recent downturn in the global economy is a stark
reminder of the consequences of living beyond our
means. But the possibility of financial recession pales in
comparison to the looming ecological credit crunch.
Whether we live on the edge of the forest or in the heart of the
city, our livelihoods and indeed our lives depend on the services
provided by the Earth’s natural systems. The Living Planet
Report 2008 tells us that we are consuming the resources that
underpin those services much too fast – faster than they can be
replenished. Just as reckless spending is causing recession, so
reckless consumption is depleting the world’s natural capital to
a point where we are endangering our future prosperity. The
Living Planet Index shows that over the past 35 years alone the
Earth’s wildlife populations have declined by a third.
James P. Leape Director General, WWF International Download the Living Planet Report 2008 in .pdf format (3.3MB) |