Living Planet Report 2012

We are all familiar with the stark array of graphs – carbon emissions, deforestation, water scarcity, overfishing – that detail how we are sapping the Earth’s resources and resilience. This 2012 edition of the Living Planet Report tells us how it all adds up – the cumulative pressure we’re putting on the planet, and the consequent decline in the health of the forests, rivers and oceans that make our lives possible.

We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal. We are using 50 per cent more resources than the Earth can provide, and unless we change course that number will grow very fast – by 2030, even two planets will not be enough. But we do have a choice. We can create a prosperous future that provides food, water and energy for the 9 or perhaps 10 billion people who will be sharing the planet in 2050.