Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Posted by David Roberts at 11:03 AM on 30 Mar 2005

The United Nations' Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was published today. I obviously haven't read it -- it's long -- but there's plenty of press coverage (though some of it is rather buried in U.S. papers). There's a nice summary on the MEA site, and you can dowload a full copy of the report there too (if you register). Here's the basic take-home message:

A landmark study released today reveals that approximately 60 percent of the ecosystem services that support life on Earth – such as fresh water, capture fisheries, air and water regulation, and the regulation of regional climate, natural hazards and pests – are being degraded or used unsustainably. Scientists warn that the harmful consequences of this degradation could grow significantly worse in the next 50 years.

I'm sure there will be much more to say, and much more said, about this in coming days.

For story: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
3 Comments | Post a Comment

say what?

Really? Because this is hardly news to most of us already paying attention, and will be brushed off by the majority of American consumers and their corporate sponsored congressmen like so much dandruff, as were other recent assessments of how far up the proverbial creek we have gone. I predict this won't make the evening news anywhere in redsville, and won't prompt any action by anyone with the power to change anything in the ever-expanding American Empire. But then, I'm an incurable optimist.

a liberal in redsville

by birdboy at 6:03 PM on 30 Mar 2005

Biodiversity loss

It is in the PI.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/218091_ecoreport30.html

http://www.saveourbiodiversity.com

In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world

by biodiversivist at 10:39 PM on 30 Mar 2005

what millenium ecosystem assesment?

i must agree completely with birdboy's optomistic view of the whole news scene. The Ministry of Information does it's job well. Consume & Obey.

Maybe if there was some kind of new religion (or a conversion of an older one, as most have done)...and this Neo-pagan religion could be led by a messianic charismatic leader...any takers? i had a dream about you, i know you are out there...

ps i somewhat envy birdboy for living in redsville- here in California everyone agrees with me when i rant. no fun.

by dawn burns at 3:25 PM on 31 Mar 2005
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