The limits of our planet

1. THE LIMITS OF OUR PLANET ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS - Our planet has a finite amount of natural resources.

- There are environmental limits, beyond which we could put the ecological balance in danger.

- This has negative impact: - on the economy (food supply problems) - on the environment (rise in natural hazards) - on society (armed conflicts for control of certain resources)

- Human economic activities that use resources to meet the needs of a growing population are responsible for exceeding these limits and for the transformation on the environment.

1. THE LIMITS OF OUR PLANET - This change is due to the following processes: 1. Environmental degradation: - This is the total o partial dissappearance of the natural environment and natural areas as a result of human occupation.

- Examples: the felling of forests to plant new crops and urban sprawl.

2. Overexploitation: - This involves removing or using natural resources at a faster rate than they can regenerate.

3. Pollution: - This involves emmitting waste into the environment as a result of human activity.

1. THE LIMITS OF OUR PLANET SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - Sustainable development: - It is a development model - based on generating economic growth - while maintaining social equality and adequate levels of environmental protection.

- That we do not comprise the wellbeing of futue generations.

- Improving the evironmental situation on our plante requires the involment of: - States - International bodies - Environmental nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) - Environmental responsible behaviour by citizens.