Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

As the century begins, natural resources are under increasing pressure, threatening public health and development. Water shortages, soil exhaustion, loss of forests, air and water pollution and degradation of coastlines afflict many areas. As the world's population grows, improving living standards without destroying the environmental is a global challenge. Most developed economics currently consume resources much faster than they can regenerate. Most developing countries with rapid population growth face the urgent need to improve living standards. As we humans exploit nature to meet present needs, are we destroying resources needed for the future?