Our Earth in the future

Since our emergence as a species, human populations have repeatedly run up against environmental limits. The inability to find sufficient game, grow enough food or gather enough wood has led to sudden collapses in human numbers and, in some cases, to the disappearance of entire civilizations.

This chapter is based on the research and positions of a team of experts from the Worldwatch Institute, presented in the State of the World reports for 1999 and 2000.

Environmental limits  

Economic growth 

Social aspects 

Sustainable development