Natural resources deficit
The pace of consumption of natural resources grows in such a way that we have surpassed the capacity of regeneration of the planet
August 8 was Earth Overshoot Day 2016, marking the day when human-kind exhausted Earth's budget for this year and entered ecological deficit: consuming natural resources faster than the planet is capable of regenerating them. In 2015, that day arrived on August 14; The 19th of August in 2014; August 21 in 2013 ... And in the early 60's the concept didn't exist because humans did not exceed that limit; We consumed less resources a year than the Earth could generate.
In this infographic we establish why we are reaching this deficit of natural resources sooner every year as well as the dramatic consequences this has for our future.
20% of the population consume 80% of the natural resources
Excessive consumption, especially in developed countries, is one of the main causes of ecological deficit. 20% of the world's population is responsible for the consumption of 80% of the planet's resources, which symbolizes the great decompensation in the social and economic sphere, especially the food system.
Besides, forests and oceans, which generate all kinds of resources, such as food or firewood, suffer a plunder at such a rate that there is no material time to regenerate and offer new generations of fish or new trees and plants. In addition, these forests and oceans, natural carbon sinks, are unable to absorb all the carbon dioxide generated by humans.
By 2030 we will need two Earths
If the current resource consumption rate continues to grow in a similar progression, it is estimated that by 2030, in just over a decade, two planets will be needed to meet the demand for consumption, since the world population will consume every year twice the resources that the Earth can generate over the same period.
Do you think we still have time to reverse the situation and curb the natural resources deficit? Participate with your comments.
