PLANET LOSING PATIENCE

"The UN-backed Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report found that nearly two-thirds of Earth's life-supporting ecosystems, including clean water, pure air, and stable climate, are being degraded by unsustainable use...

The already grim situation may worsen dramatically during the first half of the 21st century, the report's authors warn...

"'The overriding conclusion of this assessment is that it lies within the power of human societies to ease the strains we are putting on the nature services [!?!] of the planet, while continuing to use them to bring better living standards to all...

Achieving this, however, will require radical changes in the way nature is treated at every level of decision-making and new ways of cooperation between government, business and civil society... The warning signs are there for all of us to see. The future now lies in our hands.'"

Don't hold your breath. Or maybe it's better if you do. In any case, if we don't get wise, meta-ecosystems have a way of correcting themselves...

National Geographic News