By 2030 we will need Two Earths, say WWF

A recent report from the WWF offered a stark warning as to the state of our planet, and revealed a 30 per cent decline in the planet’s animal population.

2010 has been named the international year of biodiversity, and in relation to this the Living Planet Report gave an overview of the current state of the earth’s ecosystems, using statistics gathered over 20 years.

The report, compiled by the conservation organisation together with the Zoological Society of London and the Global Footprint Network, drew parallels between human consumption and development and the effect they have on biodiversity.

According to data presented we are currently using 50 per cent more natural resources than the earth can sustain, and if resources continue to be used up at today’s speed, by 2030 we will need the equivalent of two earths to meet our annual demands.

Angel Gurría, Secretary General of OECD, stressed the importance of developing a greener world economy, and linked it to the recent financial turmoil.

He said: “The protection of biodiversity and ecosystems must be a priority in our quest to build a stronger, fairer and cleaner world economy. Rather than an excuse to delay further action, the recent financial and economic crisis should serve as a reminder of the urgency of developing greener economies.

“An important element will be educating and motivating people to adjust their lifestyles, so we can leave a healthier planet to future generations.”

The Guardian recently launched a “Biodiversity 100” campaign in an attempt to put pressure on officials gathered at the Aichi Nagoya Summit on Biodiversity held 18-29 October in Japan. The summit aims to set common international goals for limiting human impact on ecosystems and the development of more sustainable consumption alternatives.

Together with their readers and professors, researchers and conservationists from all over the world, the newspaper compiled a list of 100 tasks, each aimed at one of the G20 governments.

The challenges for the UK include the restoration of native bumblebees, reintroduction of locally extinct species such as Eurasian beaver and white-tailed eagle, creation of land and marine restoration zones and to the Scottish Highlands especially the reintroduction of the extinct Eurasian lynx.

Dr Dan Barlow of WWF Scotland commented on the 2010 Living Planet Report, saying:

“The loss of wildlife and habitats undermines the natural systems upon which we depend for the food we eat, the air we breathe and the stable climate we need. So the time for urgent action is now.

“The good news is that Scotland is in a prime position, with its skills and natural resources, to not only reduce its own global footprint but to play a major role in helping other countries do the same.

"Scotland has set the world's best climate law, is at the forefront of renewable energy and is helping to conserve fish stocks through innovative ideas such as the Scottish Conservation Credit Scheme.”

The UK sits at number 31 out of 152 in the list of countries with the largest ecological footprint. These 31 countries account for nearly 40 per cent of the global footprint.