ED WILSON AT THE HARVARD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY HAS NOTED THAT WE VALUE THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES IN ABOUT THIS ORDER:

MINERAL

CULTURAL

BIOLOGICAL

THIS, HE SAYS, WILL BE OUR GREATEST MISTAKE.

1. Our systems is unsustainable

2. We can't throw anything away; there is no "away"

3. Earth functions as it does as a result of the activities of its living systems. Our challenge for this century is to develop sustainable growth strategies that do not depend upon environmental degradation.

4. Population -- about 6 billion in 2000, growing at a rate of 1.5% per year

5. Loss of species -- Perhaps 3/4ths by 2100 extinct or on their way to extinction.

6. Carbon dioxide accumulation and global warming

___________________________________

"Sustainability requires an end to decisions masde as though the world and its productive systems have no limits."

1. No manufactured or mined substances or their waste products can accumulate in the atmosphere.

2. We must preserve photosynthetic plants, algae, and bacteria.

3. Social justice must prevail to eliminate unsupportable inequities between different groups of people.

"No challenge you will ever face is more important."