12/04/2005 - Humans urgently
need to ease the strains on the planet's natural
systems if we want to continue to bring better
living standards to all: we totally depend
on our natural resources for food, water and
shelter. This is one of the conclusions of
the newly published Millennium Ecosystem Assessment,
the most comprehensive global survey of the
state of our planet.
The report states, that humans have changed
ecosystems more rapidly and extensively in
the past fifty years than ever before. The
lifestyle that followed World War II led to
enormous changes. For example, more land was
converted to agriculture since 1945 than in
the 18th and 19th centuries combined. A quarter
of the planet is now under cultivation.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is the
result of four years of work involving around
1,400 experts from 95 countries. The exercise,
which cost 24 million euros, aims to analyse
ecosystems in order to ensure, that human
beings will benefit from natural resources
also in the future.
'We have a tendency to dismiss pessimistic
scenarios, but thinking ahead often motivates
us into actions that prevent disastrous consequences.
And actions are necessary' says Prof. Jacqueline
McGlade, Executive Director of the European
Environment Agency and a contributor to the
report.
Prof. Jacqueline McGlade describes the report
as a very powerful consensus about the current
unsustainable direction of many of our ecosystems:
'In contradiction to what environmental sceptics
often say, this report definitely confirms,
that technology alone will not solve all problems.
Even in the best case scenario, irreversible
consequences are expected, and these can have
serious local and global impacts', says Prof.
Jacqueline McGlade.
She points out that the future is in our
hands: 'It is possible to create a more balanced
planet for our grandchildren. We need to combine
strong political commitments, better environmental
awareness, environmental friendly technologies,
and higher prices for exploiting natural resources'.
The outcomes of the Millennium Assessment
will be further addressed in the upcoming
State of the Environment Report to be launched
by the European Environment Agency later this
year.
