Posted on 10/09/2006 4:20:39 PM PDT by traumer
Rising consumption of natural resources means that humans began "eating the planet" on 9 October, a study suggests.
The date symbolised the day of the year when people's demands exceeded the Earth's ability to supply resources and absorb the demands placed upon it.
The figures' authors said the world first "ecological debt day" fell on 19 December 1987, but economic growth had seen it fall earlier each year.
The data was produced by a US-based think-tank, Global Footprint Network.
The New Economics Foundation (Nef), a UK think-tank that helped compile the report, had published a study that said Britain's "ecological debt day" in 2006 fell on 16 April.
The authors said this year's global ecological debt day meant that it would take the Earth 15 months to regenerate what was consumed this year.
"By living so far beyond our environmental means and running up ecological debts means we make two mistakes," said Andrew Simms, Nef's policy director.
"First, we deny millions globally who already lack access to sufficient land, food and clean water the chance to meet their needs. Secondly, we put the planet's life support mechanisms in peril," he added.
'Eco-footprints'
The findings are based on the concept of "ecological footprints", a system of measuring how much land and water a human population needs to produce the resources it consumes and absorb the resulting waste.
Global Footprint Network's executive director, Mathis Wackernagel, said humanity was living off its "ecological credit card" and was "liquidating the planet's natural resources".
Graph showing nations' ecological footprint (BBC)
"While this can be done for a short while, overshoot ultimately leads to the depletion of resources, such as forests, oceans and agricultural land, upon which our economy depends," Mr Wackernagel said.
Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy (Ecipe), a Brussels-based think tank, said he applauded the authors on their innovative way of focusing attention to the issue of resource depletion.
But he added he found the concept of ecological debt to be "quite ludicrous".
"When it comes to using footprints as a way to follow the micro effects of various economic behaviours on the environment, it can be quite good," Mr Erixon said.
"But the way they are collecting and assessing information is wrong. We don't really get any serious information out of this."
He also questioned the use of the term "debt": "A debt is where you have over-savings in one area of the economy, and under-savings in another.
"Then you have a transfer of savings from one actor to another in the form of a loan. But who are we indebted to?" Mr Erixon asked.
"Perhaps 'ecological exuberance' is better than ecological debt."
He added that history had shown that technological advances had led to more efficient uses of natural resources, and had sustained economic growth.
YEC INTREP
Save the whales !!
Planet enters 'ecological debt' (eating the planet)
This "eating the planet" headline reminds of The Big Nothing from The Neverending Story.
Follow Slim to the BUFFET!
Lol, you can tell that Tax Freedom Day has really been bugging these socialists and this laughable crap is their answer to it.
The way to play the end of the world is to buy global commodity funds like PSPFX., the silver ETF (SLV) or SLW. That way you make money before we flame out.
Classic liberal guilt trip. Blame the wealthy nations for the misfortunes of the poor nations (and make no mention of the poor countries' corrupt governments, oppressive dictators, and socialist policies).
What a load of hooey!
Always make sure you get a receipt when you leave the restroom!
"Mmmmmmm... planet"
If we were all Malawians, this world would be a better place.
Our only hope is to transfer our heavy industry to China, elect Democrats to high office, and pray for the collapse of our economy. It can't come a moment too soon.
Genesis: Land Of Confusion
I mustve dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
.......
Theres too many men
Too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Cant you see
This is a land of confusion.
......
I wont be coming home tonight
My generation will put it right
Were not just making promises
That we know, well never keep.
Too many men
Theres too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Cant you see
This is a land of confusion.
Now this is the world we live in
And these are the hands were given
Use them and lets start trying
To make it a place worth fighting for.
Yes sir, China leaves a TINY eco footprint. Mmm-hm. No agenda here. Move along, kids.
The BBC 'science' page has one or more article every day about how the end is near. It must be a requirement. Check it out for a few days. Actually some of their articles are good, but they are total panic freaks when it comes to 'saving the planet'. Gets very tiresome.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/default.stm
Planets taste like chicken...
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