Case Study

Introduction

In 1992, hundreds of scientists from around the world issued this statement as part of a "warning to humanity."

• Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources. If not checked, many of our current practices put at serious risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms, and may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know. Fundamental changes are urgent if we are to avoid the collision our present course will bring about.
  "World Scientists' Warning to Humanity", Union of Concerned Scientisits, November 1992.

The full text of the article, [link http://www.ucsusa.org/ucs/about/1992-world-scientists-warning-to-humanity.html "World Scientist's Warning to Humanity (1992)" new] can be found at the Web site for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Consider the following questions, as you read the article:

• What are some of the critical stresses to the environment that were identified by the scientists?
• What problems lie ahead for the world if human population growth remains unchecked?
• What are the key recommendations made by the scientists?
  • How can environmental quality be measured?
  • How do different countries compare in making progress towards environmental sustainability?
  • How do individual component indicators contribute to the ESI?