Land, sea, air and rivers have all deteriorated so much in the past 20 years
that scientists fear humanity's survival is now at risk, according to a UN
Report prepared by 400 scientists and reviewed by another 1000.
The steady degradation of the earth's resources threatens the well-being of
every being on the planet. Unless we act now, “the bill we hand over to our
children may prove impossible to pay”.
The scientists addressed not just pollution and global warming but the equally
alarming issues of fresh water shortages, soil degradation, depletion of ocean
fish stocks and reduction of biodiversity.
Security of food supply is threatened by the narrow genetic base of agriculture:
just 14 animal species and 30 crops provide 90% of the world's calories. Catches
of fish are currently maintained by fishing farther offshore at deeper levels.
Irrigation and industrial uses of water cause one in ten of the world's rivers
to run dry before reaching the ocean. Species are being forced into extinction
today at a rate 100 times faster than that in any in fossil records.
Vision and action are needed to avert calamity. All Life is interconnected and
humanity is but one part of Nature, which shows us wisdom and thrives in
diversity. Nature is the source of such richness, abundance and teaching. The
task before us is Herculean. Are we humans up to meeting this sacred
responsibility or can we possibly live without Nature?