Planet enters "Ecological Debt" period

[nam78_two]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6033407.stm



Planet enters 'ecological debt'
The Earth (Image: AP)
Growing demand eats into Earth's natural capital, say the authors
R
ising consumption of natural resources means that humans began "eating the planet" on 9 October, a study suggests.

The date symbolised the day of the year when people's demands exceeded the Earth's ability to supply resources and absorb the demands placed upon it.

The figures' authors said the world first "ecological debt day" fell on 19 December 1987, but economic growth had seen it fall earlier each year.

The data was produced by a US-based think-tank, Global Footprint Network.

The New Economics Foundation (Nef), a UK think-tank that helped compile the report, had published a study that said Britain's "ecological debt day" in 2006 fell on 16 April.

The authors said this year's global ecological debt day meant that it would take the Earth 15 months to regenerate what was consumed this year.


"By living so far beyond our environmental means and running up ecological debts means we make two mistakes," said Andrew Simms, Nef's policy director.

"First, we deny millions globally who already lack access to sufficient land, food and clean water the chance to meet their needs. Secondly, we put the planet's life support mechanisms in peril," he added

[ThomCat]

1. Unlike the hokus pokus of economics

you can't run this kind of deficit indefinitely, and there's no chance of debt forgiveness.
x(

[texastoast]

2. She will kill most of us

She will tolerate only so many locusts only for so long.


Undeservedly you will atone for the sins of your fathers.
--Horace