One of the most important reports to come along in years was recently published by WWF (World Wildlife Fund). I strongly encourage you to read it. Living Planet Report 2016 will be shocking to those who have not kept up with the pace of the degradation of our planet’s natural systems and wildlife. It truly is shocking what has happened in the last almost 50 years. Wildlife populations have shown a concerning decline, on average by 58 percent since 1970. The decline is likely to reach 67 percent by the end of the decade.
“We are entering a new era in Earth’s history: the Anthropocene,” says Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International, in the report. “An era in which humans rather than natural forces are the primary drivers of planetary change. But we can also redefine our relationship with our planet, from a wasteful, unsustainable and predatory one, to one where people and nature can coexist in harmony.”
“We need to transition to an approach that decouples human and economic development from environmental degradation—perhaps the deepest cultural and behavioral shifts ever experienced by any civilization,” Lambertini adds.
“Such is the magnitude of our impact on the planet that the Anthropocene might be characterized by the world’s sixth mass extinction event,” the report says. “This is the first time a new geological epoch may be marked by what a single species (Homo sapiens) has consciously done to the planet—as opposed to what the planet has imposed on resident species.”
Too Much Consumption
Humanity currently needs the regenerative capacity of 1.6 Earths to provide the goods and services we use each year. If current trends continue, unsustainable consumption and production patterns will likely expand along with human population and economic growth.
The issues outlined in the report are complex and require careful reading. Most importantly, they should prompt action on the part of all of us—how we do business, how we buy what we buy, how we manage our buildings, and what organizations we choose to support.
The 74-page report emphasizes the need for fundamental changes in two global systems: energy and food. “For the energy system, a rapid development of sustainable renewable energy sources and shifting demand toward renewable energy are key,” the report says. “For the food system, a dietary shift in high-income countries—through consuming less animal protein—and reducing waste along the food chain could contribute significantly to producing enough food within the boundaries of one planet.”
The report takes a look at animal populations, forests, grasslands, freshwater habitats, oceans and seas, and much more.
The report is not filled will all bad news. It does document progress that has been made and offers hope for future change—change that can only happen if we all do our part.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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