The WWF charity is warning that the world could be heading for an ecological credit crunch to match the financial crisis that is currently engulfing the planet.
Human demands on the world’s natural resources are now at a critical phase, almost a third more than earth can sustain. With around 50 countries slipping into a state of permanent water stress and plant and wildlife on the decline, more than three quarters of the world’s people are now living in nations that are ecological debtors. These are countries where national consumption far outweighs their capacity to produce natural resources and capture carbon emissions.
America and the United Arab Emirates currently have the world’s biggest ecological footprint on the planet, with the UK coming 15th. The United Kingdom alone has the same ecological footprint as 33 African countries put together, with a single UK resident having more than three and a half times the impact on the planet than the average African.
Director General of WWF International, James Leape, said –
‘Most of us are propping up our current lifestyles, and our economic growth, by overdrawing on the ecological capital of other parts of the world. If our demands on the planet continue to increase at the same rate, by the 2030 we would need the equivalent of two planets to maintain our lifestyles.’
Carbon emissions from fossil fuel use and land disturbance are the greatest component of humanity’s footprint, though reports show that a strong concentration on the efficiency of low emissions could meet projected energy demands to 2050.
Director of campaigns at WWF, David Norman, said –
‘We humans have been very good at creating problems – but we can be equally good at solving them. A sustainable world is not an unachievable goal. As the world looks to restore its economies we must build in long term environmental as well as economic sustainability.’
The WWF is a non profit organisiation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can also help raise more funds through the WWF Adopt an Animal scheme. From as little as £3 a month you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy and would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one this Christmas.
