Are we doomed?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international ... 63,00.html
The human race is living beyond its means. A report backed by 1,360 scientists from 95 countries - some of them world leaders in their fields - today warns that the almost two-thirds of the natural machinery that supports life on Earth is being degraded by human pressure.
The study contains what its authors call "a stark warning" for the entire world. The wetlands, forests, savannahs, estuaries, coastal fisheries and other habitats that recycle air, water and nutrients for all living creatures are being irretrievably damaged. In effect, one species is now a hazard to the other 10 million or so on the planet, and to itself.
"Human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted," it says.
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· An estimated 24% of the Earth's land surface is now cultivated.
· Water withdrawals from lakes and rivers has doubled in the last 40 years. Humans now use between 40% and 50% of all available freshwater running off the land.
· At least a quarter of all fish stocks are overharvested. In some areas, the catch is now less than a hundredth of that before industrial fishing.
· Since 1980, about 35% of mangroves have been lost, 20% of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed and another 20% badly degraded.
· Deforestation and other changes could increase the risks of malaria and cholera, and open the way for new and so far unknown disease to emerge.
In 1997, a team of biologists and economists tried to put a value on the "business services" provided by nature - the free pollination of crops, the air conditioning provided by wild plants, the recycling of nutrients by the oceans. They came up with an estimate of $33 trillion, almost twice the global gross national product for that year. But after what today's report, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, calls "an unprecedented period of spending Earth's natural bounty" it was time to check the accounts.
Are we killing ourselves?
Moderator: Dictators in Training
Are we killing ourselves?
What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.
– C. S. Lewis
– C. S. Lewis
Huh? You mean almost zero environmental controls on global industry and zero discipline on resource management is actually going to hurt? Bullshit. The Earth is uber! We can't do anything to hurt it or ourselves environmentally. Rush Limbaugh says so. I bet you believe the Ozone layer is being destroyed also. Fuckin hippy.
You were right Tikker. We suck.
mofish wrote:The Earth is uber! We can't do anything to hurt it or ourselves environmentally. Rush Limbaugh says so.
best gigglemaking comment of the day
"I think you may be confusing government running amok with government doing stuff you don't like. See, you're in the minority now. It's supposed to taste like a shit taco." - Jon Stewart
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Inside each person lives two wolves. One is loyal, kind, respectful, humble and open to the mystery of life. The other is greedy, jealous, hateful, afraid and blind to the wonders of life. They are in battle for your spirit. The one who wins is the one you feed.
It's true there were better ones
That led their people
It's true there were better ones
To lead their country
It's true there were better ones
Who cared for this world
It's true there were better ones
But who are we to change
Without the strength of all
The nations will crumble
That led their people
It's true there were better ones
To lead their country
It's true there were better ones
Who cared for this world
It's true there were better ones
But who are we to change
Without the strength of all
The nations will crumble
How do you like this spoiler, motherfucker? -Lyion
Tossica wrote:Let's have a war!
Blame it on the middle-class!
Let's have a war!
We're like rats in a cage!
Let's have a war!
Sell the rights to the networks!
Let's have a war!
Let our wallets get fat like last time!
Let's have a war!
Give guns to the queers!
Let's have a war!
The enemy's within!
oops its Lets Have A War...God I loved that album....