earth-friendly
The planet Earth is in a dire state, a condition of emergency caused by the thoughtless actions of humankind. The planet can only support a finite number of life forms and can only supply a finite number of resources (Carpenter, 2001). However, the world today is characterized by a by an exponentially expanding population that shows no sign of slowing down. At a current tally of roughly 6 billion, it is expected to double over the next 100 years and current inequalities are expected to become more severe. Whilst the population expands infinitely, finite natural resources are depleted at ever increasing rates (Hartmann, 2004).
Natural habitats are destroyed on a daily basis and many species become extinct. Mineral resources, particularly oil, are excessively exploited and diminished by large nations that believe alternative sources of fuel and energy will become available. Fresh water is increasing in scarcity and the effects are felt globally through water restrictions and droughts. Land resources are continuously destroyed through strip mining, irresponsible waste management and dumping and through the use of toxic chemicals and effluents (Carpenter, 2001) Thus, as the human population gains rapidly in numbers, the earths resources and carrying capacity are pushed further and further to their limits – most of which are to reached over the next few decades and will result in a devastating crisis. This crisis is known as global warming (Hartmann, 2004).