EcoEarth.Info Home

EcoEarth.Info

Environment Portal & Search Engine

Empowering the Environmental Sustainability Movement

Environment Search


Internet News Links Site

Ecological Internet's Sustainability Solutions Initiative

Threats to Global Sustainability Demand Urgent Solutions, Beginnings of a 10 Part Rescue Plan for the Earth and Humanity to Avoid Ecological Collapse


The heart of the global ecological crisis is that too many people are consuming too much and their developments have severely diminished natural ecosystems. The Earth system's biogeochemical cycling of energy and nutrients has been ripped apart and subsequently the global ecological system which provides humans their habitat is failing. There is little hope of the Earth and humanity regaining a state of balance absent a major surge in ecological based policies in virtually every human realm and/or a major human population collapse.

What hope exists for avoiding global ecological collapse, the death of billions and the end of civilization lies in bold visionary proposals that are adequate to transform humanity's relationship with the Earth. There exists a tremendous disconnect between ecological science, sustainability policy, and the political organization, advocacy and communication strategies necessary to sustain the Earth. Tinkering around the edges and incremental feel good half measures are causing more harm than good.

Ecological Internet's Sustainability Solutions Initiative is committed to developing and implementing an Earth rescue plan. The comprehensive yet incomplete list below of policies necessary to pursue global ecological sustainability is based upon ecological science, and together they are adequate - indeed required - to address virtually all environmental crises, which after all at root reflect humanity's deep state of ecological unsustainability. For the time being comments can be addressed to the press release comment thread surrounding the project's launch on September 11, 2006.

Top Ten Policies Necessary to Pursue Global Ecological Sustainability

Following are the most urgent policy prescriptions necessary to maximize the likelihood of a habitable biosphere and minimize human death as a result of collapsing ecosystems. They are listed in order of importance. To have any chance of averting global apocalypse these sorts of policies must be implemented with all haste. Your comments are welcome regarding this list and avenues for implementation - which will be enumerated further as the project progresses.

No. 1 - POPULATION - Human populations surpass what the Earth can bear. We must stabilize and then reduce human population to at most a third current levels. Global limits must be placed on the number of children born, using incentives at first such as tax benefits for smaller families. Humanity can reduce population on their own accord or the Earth will do so for us.

No. 2 - GREENHOUSE GASES - Abrupt runaway climate change is happening now as energy costs the Earth dearly. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 70% as soon as possible. Maintaining an operable atmosphere requires phasing out coal and oil, introducing a substantial carbon tax, investing in renewable energy, and rigorously pursuing conservation and efficiency. No large-scale new energy systems such as nuclear or biofuel until shown to be environmentally benign in the long-term.

No. 3 - PROTECT ECOSYSTEMS - Large, connected and strictly protected ecosystems over much of the land and sea are a prerequisite for provision of air, water, biodiversity, soil and other services upon which life depends. Large protected marine areas must be established, ending industrial fishing. And ancient forest logging must end, strictly protecting remaining intact natural habitats.

No. 4 - CONSUMPTION - Excessive resource use to meet frivolous human wants must be restricted by promoting a consumption ethic that stresses voluntary simplicity and a sense of "enoughness", and laws that minimize impacts. Simple reforms such as standardizing consumer packaging and making all waste recyclable will reduce necessary consumption's impacts.

No. 5 - AGRICULTURE - A transition must be made to sustainable agricultural practices and eating habits with the emphasis upon organic, non-GMO, low meat diets that are locally produced. Eating habits impact virtually all ecosystems, resulting in natural forest clearing, toxic food chains, depleted water, soil loss and reduction of ecosystems' ability to hold carbon.

No. 6 - SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES - Economic systems are a subset of ecological systems and as such all economic activities must maintain or expand natural capital. Growth that destroys natural capital is not sustainable, and growth as a measure of economic activity is an ecological malignancy. A steady state, sustainable economy must be business, industry and humanity's goal.

No. 7 - GREEN TECHNOLOGY - Technology by itself cannot bring sustainability, but clean and green technologies are important and provide huge economic opportunities. There is tremendous potential for development of energy efficient, more sustainable and fully recyclable buildings, products and services (including hybrid cars and fluorescent lightbulbs). But the use and trade of toxic chemicals must end.

No. 8 - ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION - Too many ecosystems have already been lost and diminished for humanity to persist. Achieving sustainability and preparing for post collapse societies depends upon targeted restoration of important ecosystems. Priorities for ecological restoration include watersheds, establishing ecological core areas and urban environments.

No. 9 - POVERTY- Billions living in desperate poverty is unethical and damages the environment. All cannot live like Americans, but if the Earth's wealth is shared we can all live well. The focus must be upon the overdeveloped world living more simply, sustainable development, equitable and just political and economic systems, and green technology transfer.

No. 10 - DEMILITARIZATION - Increasingly conflicts over resources fuel militarism and insurgency. Military budgets divert resources from crucial social and environmental investments, and must be slashed. Lasting security that is equitable, just and sustainable is best achieved through greater international law and investments that nurture global ecosystems.


This project is just commencing and we welcome collaboration and comments.