Protecting Earth's Resources

Below are excerpts from an article in the weekend edition of the Washington Post. Many experts agree that planet Earth is in danger unless we make a huge effort to protect natural resources. Might the government impose fess for things we are used to receiving for free, like clean water? Although this would be an effort to help fund the protection of our natural resources, says one environmental advocate, how would this affect the poor? (photo by aussiegall)

Earth's Sustainability Is Not Guaranteed Unless Action Is Taken to Protect Resources, Experts Say

By Shankar Vedantam

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2005; Page A02

Many of the world's ecosystems are in danger and might not support future generations unless radical measures are implemented to protect and revive them, according to the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted of how the world's oceans, dry lands, forests and species interact and depend on one another.

The report was assembled by the U.N. Environment Program and included scientists from many universities and organizations,

"Human actions are depleting Earth's natural capital, putting such strain on the environment that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted," the authors said.

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