Meeting the challenges of population environment and resources: the costs of inaction.

This collection of essays arising from a 1995 collaboration between the Union of Concerned Scientists and the World Bank presents the views of a eight prominent scientists on the most critical environmental challenges the world is facing. The introductory essay points to the strong scientific consensus holding grave concerns about the atmosphere land and forests oceans and fisheries species loss and ecosystem damage fresh water agriculture and food production energy diseases and population growth. The next essay considers climate change in terms of the influence of human activities on climate; the impact of climate change on ecological systems human health and socioeconomic sectors; and approaches to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sinks. The third essay discusses the threat to biodiversity through a discussion of biodiversity on earth today the importance of maintaining every species and what must be done. Essay 4 considers food production in light of technological advances and demographic peril. The fifth essay looks at the relationship between energy use and climate change and essay 6 sketches the impact of environmental degradation on disease. The ninth essay describes the impact of population growth on environmental degradation and essay 10 explores the economic aspects of environmental challenges. The collection of essays ends with an analysis that presents the costs of continuing "business as usual" in light of population growth environmental degradation the consequences of energy use and food prospects. An alternative scenario is offered that would involve the control of environmental damage sustainable resource use reducing conflict and stabilizing population growth. This essay assigns responsibilities for meeting these challenges to societies nations science and technology and governments.