In the coming decades, we will
face global challenges unlike any in recorded history. While we are busy
debating the causes of climate change, the effects are being felt
around the world. Climate change and increased resource competition will forever alter understanding of our impact on the Earth and the impact those changes will have on us.
"(Reuters) - More than 100 million people will die and the global economy
will miss out on as much as 3.2 percent of its potential output
annually by 2030 if the world fails to tackle climate change, [according to] a report
commissioned by 20 governments. " The clock is ticking, that's less than 17 years away.
Not only will we be dealing with the effects of climate change, but also resource scarcity:
All seven billion of us sharing this planet, plus another two billion by mid-century, are going to need to be smart about how we handle these new challenges. Energy, water, and food are inextricably linked, and the sooner we realize that, the better off we will all be.
Be sure to check out our tumblr blog for additional information and links for further reading. We are always updating with news about energy, water, food, the environment, and how all of these changes relate to us.
New solutions may be discovered, but more importantly they must be brought into existence. We need to act now, not wait until we have more advanced technology. By then it will be too late. We are the solution, and the sooner we realize that we're all in this together, the better our response to these global challenges.
References:
National Intelligence Council report - "Global Trends 2030"
http://www.dni.gov/index.php/about/organization/national-intelligence-council-global-trends
Forbes article "National Intelligence Council Report: Megatrends that Matter for Business"
Reuters article: "100 million to die by 2030 if world fails to act on climate"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/27/us-climate-inaction-idUSBRE88Q0ZJ20120927