ecological footprint

 

After four years of consultation and research by 1,2600 scientists, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) stated the health of the world's ecosystems was in significant decline. Around the late 1980's it was determined that humanity's collective demands (their Ecological Footprint), surpassed the earth's regenerative capacity (Wakernagel & Rees, 1996). Yet development has continued apace, and human demands are growing approximately one percent per year.

 

In reference to the report, Assadourian (2006) notes:

The conclusions of the [Millennium] report were so dire that the MA Board of Directors noted in its own summary statement that '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.' (p. 92)

see also, Vital Signs, 2006-2007 at http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4346