WWF says over-consumption threatens planet

The spiralling global population and over-consumption are threatening the future health of the planet, conservation group WWF warned on Tuesday.

The demand on natural resources has become unsustainable and is putting "tremendous" pressure on the planet's biodiversity, the body said.

In its latest survey of the Earth's health, WWF named Qatar as the country with the largest ecological footprint, followed by its Middle Eastern neighbours Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Denmark and the United States made up the remaining top five, calculated by comparing the renewable resources consumed against the earth's regenerative capacity.

The Living Planet Report found that high-income countries have an ecological footprint on average five times that of low-income ones.

Across the globe the footprint has doubled since 1966.

"We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal," said Jim Leape, WWF International director general.

"We are using 50 percent more resources that the Earth can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast -- by 2030 even two planets will not be enough."

The survey, compiled every two years, reported an average 30 percent decrease in biodiversity since 1970, rising to 60 percent in the hardest-hit tropical regions.

The decline has been most rapid in lower income countries, "demonstrating how the poorest and most vulnerable nations are subsidising the lifestyles of wealthier countries," said WWF.

Globally, around 13 million hectares of forest were lost each year between 2000 and 2010.

"An ever-growing demand for resources by a growing population is putting tremendous pressures on our planet's biodiversity and is threatening our future security, health and well-being," said the group.

The report comes ahead of June's Rio+20 gathering, the fourth major summit on sustainable development since 1972.

French President Francois Hollande has confirmed he will be among 100 global leaders at the summit seeking to outline a path towards an economy that can balance economic growth, poverty eradication and protection of the environment.

The WWF wants to see more efficient production systems that would reduce human demand for land, water and energy and a change in governmental policy that would measure a country's success beyond its GDP figure.

But the immediate focus must be on drastically shrinking the ecological footprint of high-income countries, particularly their carbon footprint, the WWF said.

"Rio+20 can and must be the moment for governments to set a new course towards sustainability," said Leape.

"This report is like a planetary check-up and the results indicate we have a very sick planet, said Jonathan Baillie, conservation programme director of the Zoological Society of London, which co-produced the report along with the Global Footprint Network.

Editor’s note:Yahoo! Philippines encourages responsible comments that add dimension to the discussion. No bashing or hate speech, please. You can express your opinion without slamming others or making derogatory remarks.

Most Popular

  • 13 Healthy Foods to Beat the Bloat

    13 Healthy Foods to Beat the Bloat

    Healthy Living - Tue, Jun 18, 2013 6:29 AM PHT
    13 Healthy Foods to Beat the Bloat

    More than 10 million Americans regularly complain about being bloated. That uncomfortable sensation — the result of air passing through your intestines — is often caused by a tempting culprit: salty and fatty foods. So, what's safe to eat to keep women from unbuttoning those skinny jeans? We res …

  • What Your Nail Shape Says About Your Health

    What Your Nail Shape Says About Your Health

    Healthy Living - Mon, Jun 17, 2013 9:57 PM PHT
    What Your Nail Shape Says About Your Health

    The shape, width and length of your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health. Find out if yours are signaling an underlying issue. …

  • The Truth About Running Vs. Walking for Weight Loss

    The Truth About Running Vs. Walking for Weight Loss

    Healthy Living - Tue, Jun 18, 2013 12:01 AM PHT
    The Truth About Running Vs. Walking for Weight Loss

    The whole question of what kind of exercise is best for weight loss or weight control is a tangled and complicated one. Does the exercise burn mostly fat or carbs? Does it stimulate "afterburn" after the workout is done? Does it leave you feeling extra-h …

  • 5 Health Move Musts to Start Now

    5 Health Move Musts to Start Now

    Healthy Living - Wed, Jun 19, 2013 7:09 AM PHT
    5 Health Move Musts to Start Now

    The health choices you make now will dictate your health in the future; start being healthy today and you'll feel the positive effects for years to come. …

  • Going green when you clean

    Yahoo! Southeast Asia SHE - Mon, Jun 17, 2013 8:28 PM PHT

    Store-bought items are cost effective and easily accessible, but are also peppered with chemicals that may affect our health in the long run. If you’re deciding to go healthy and organic with your food, you may want to take your penchant for everything clean and green to the next level by introducing natural solutions to your home. …

POLL

As a wedding guest, what do you look forward to at the weddings you attend?

Loading...
Poll Choice Options