Global Ecological Footprint: Humanity has exhausted nature's budget for 2012

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The Ecological Footprint

August 22nd Is Earth Overshoot Day: Humanity has exhausted nature’s budget for the year

(Global Footprint Network, Oakland, CA, 8-22-12) Humanity has surpassed nature’s budget for the year, and is now operating in overdraft, according to data from Global Footprint Network, an international research organization with offices in California and Europe.

Earth Overshoot Day (from a concept devised by the UK think tank new economics foundation) helps conceptualize the gap between what nature can regenerate, and how much is required to support human activities. Similar to the way a bank statement tracks income against expenditures, Global Footprint Network tracks humanity’s demand for, and supply of, natural resources and ecological services. Global Footprint Network’s calculations show that in just over eight months, we have used up the resources and CO2 sequestration that the planet can sustainably provide this year.

For the rest of the year, we will maintain our ecological deficit by depleting resource stocks and accumulating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

“Nations around the world, and particularly in the south of Europe, have started to painfully experience what it means to spend more money than what they earn,” said Dr. Mathis Wackernagel, President of Global Footprint Network. “The resource pressure is similar to such financial overspending, and can become devastating. As resource deficits get larger, and resource prices remain high, the costs to nations become unbearable.”

Our ecological overspending has become a vicious cycle, in which we draw down more and more principal at the same time our level of consumption, or “spending,” grows. The social and economic costs could be staggering.

“From soaring fossil fuel prices to crippling national debts partly due to rising natural resource prices, our economies are now confronting the reality of years of spending beyond our means,” Dr. Wackernagel said. “If we are to maintain stable societies and productive lives, we can no longer sustain a widening budget gap between what nature is able to provide and how much our infrastructure, economies and lifestyles require.”

For most of human history, humanity has used nature’s services—to build cities and roads, provide food and create products, and absorb the CO2 generated by human activities—at a rate that was well within Earth’s budget. But sometime in the 1970s, we crossed a critical threshold. Human demand began outstripping what the planet could renewably produce, and we went into ecological overshoot.

What is Ecological Overshoot? The video is made available courtesy of the Pachamama Alliance and its Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium.




Global Footprint Network

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Maui's Dolphin: Incredibly rare, sighted near New Zealand coast!

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Maui's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui)

Maui's dolphin or popoto is the world's rarest and smallest known subspecies of dolphin. They are a sub-species of the Hector's dolphin. Maui's dolphins are only found off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, and are the country's only endemic subspecies of cetacean. As of 2012, it is estimated that 55 Maui's dolphins exist in the world. Commercial fishing activity, specifically netting, is killing this species at an alarming rate. (See also Wikipedia)

Incredibly Rare Maui's Dolphins Sighted Off New Zealand Coast

A rare sighting of a pod of Maui's dolphins in the waters off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. Only about 55 remain in New Zealand's waters, but they could be protected by prohibiting dangerous fishing gear from their habitat; safeguarding the region from sand mining and the threat of oil and gas exploration; and, establishing a protected ocean corridor.



Help Save the World’s Smallest Dolphin

The world’s rarest and smallest marine dolphin is at risk of extinction. Only an estimated 55 Maui’s dolphins over the age of one remain on the planet, all living along a small stretch of New Zealand’s coast. While their survival is threatened by sand mining and oil and gas exploration, the greatest immediate threat is certain types of fishing nets used throughout their coastal habitat. Living close to shore, Maui’s dolphins can easily become entangled in these nets and drown. With so few remaining, each unnecessary death is a critical one.


Maui's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) killed by fishing nets Take action today: http://wwf.to/savethemauis


Range of Maui's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) Please sign WWF's petition and protect the Maui's dolphin from extinction: http://wwf.to/savethemauis



The Maui's Dolphin Is Facing Eminent Extinction

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Sea Turtles: Struggle for Survival Against Nature and Humanity

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Sea Turtles of the World

The Survival of the Sea Turtle Watch the miraculous journey of infant sea turtles as these tiny animals run the gauntlet of predators and harsh conditions. Then, in numbers, see how human behavior has made their tough lives even more challenging.

Lesson by Scott Gass, animation by Veronica Wallenberg and Johan Sonestedt




Gulf of Mexico: Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)



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Sacred Earth: Time Lapse Journey Around the World

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King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island

Terra Sacra Time Lapses - Sacred Earth Around the World An around-the-world time lapse journey celebrating our Sacred Earth. Six years in the making... seven continents... 24 countries. Photographed & Edited by Sean F. White http://www.seanwhite.net. Original score by Roy Milner http://www.roymilner.com.



Sean F. White My life as a filmmaker has been a journey which has blessed me with the privilege of seeing some of the most surreal and timeless places on the planet. These images of our Sacred Earth set to music are my way of sharing some of the magic I’ve experienced along the way...



Terra Sacra Time Lapses is a short film featuring remote landscapes and ancient monuments from around the globe. These images were photographed between 2006-2012 on personal travels and assignments for Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge and Parallax Film Productions.


Djenne Mosque, Djenne, Mali


Mount Fuji, Japan


Machu Picchu, Peru


The Kimberley, Australia

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Living Planet Report 2012: Resource Demand Increasing, Biodiversity Decreasing

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Biodiversity continues to be lost on planet Earth

We may not recognize it, but virtually every decision we make comes with a price to our planet—a small, but not insignificant, withdrawal of the earth’s resources. Added together, these withdrawals represent our environmental footprint.

WWF’s 2012 Living Planet Report highlights the cumulative pressure we are putting on the planet and the resulting decline in the health of our forests, rivers and oceans.

We are living as if we have the resources of an extra planet at our disposal. We’re using 50 percent more resources than the Earth can provide, and unless we change course that number will grow very fast—by 2030, even two planets will not be enough.

The Living Planet Report finds:

• Biodiversity continues to be lost: Populations of species continue to decline, with tropical and freshwater species experiencing the biggest declines.

• The U.S. has the fifth largest ecological footprint in terms of the amount of resources each person annually consumes. We rank only behind Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Denmark in the global rankings of the Ecological Footprint.

• Resource scarcity is already being experienced across the globe, as 2.7 billion people around the world already are forced to cope with water scarcity during at least one month a year.

A View from Space Listen to European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut André Kuipers talk about the health of the planet. Learn more about WWF's 2012 Living Planet Report at http://www.worldwildlife.org/lpr





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OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction

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Humanity has witnessed unprecedented growth and prosperity in the past decades, with the size of the world economy more than tripling and population increasing by over 3 billion people since 1970. This growth, however, has been accompanied by environmental pollution and natural resource depletion. The current growth model and the mismanagement of natural assets could ultimately undermine human development.

The OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050 asks “What will the next four decades bring?” Based on joint modelling by the OECD and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), it looks forward to the year 2050 to find out what demographic and economic trends might mean for the environment if the world does not adopt more ambitious green policies. It also looks at what policies could change that picture for the better.

This Outlook focuses on four areas: climate change, biodiversity, freshwater and health impacts of pollution. These four key environmental challenges were identified by the previous Environmental Outlook to 2030 (OECD, 2008) as “Red Light” issues requiring urgent attention. Based on model projections, this edition of the Environmental Outlook paints a possible picture of what the environment might look like in 2050. It focuses on four areas which were identified by the previous edition of the Outlook as needing urgent attention: climate change, biodiversity, water, and health and environment.

Water: Balancing Demand By 2050, the world's growing population will use 55% more water in their homes, to grow food, and to produce electricity and manufactured goods. To ensure enough water to meet this demand, we will need to stop wasting it and find new ways to make sure there's enough to go around. For more info visit: www.oecd.org/water





OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction The Water Challenge: OECD's Response

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Wonders of Nature: Jeju Island (South Korea)

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7 Wonders of Nature Announced

Among the winners of the 7 Wonders of Nature was Jeju Island (South Korea). The 7 winners were announced and listed in a prior post here.

Jeju Island - New 7 Wonders Jejudo is a volcanic island, 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. The largest island and smallest province in Korea, the island has a surface area of 1,846 sq km. A central feature of Jeju is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea and a dormant volcano, which rises 1,950 m above sea level. 360 satellite volcanoes are around the main volcano.




New 7 Wonders of Nature

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Very Rare Shepherd’s Beaked Whales Sighted, First Video Ever!

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Shepherd’s Beaked Whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi)


Very Rare Shepherd’s Beaked Whales Sighted, First Video Ever! he Australian Antarctic Division team was tracking blue whales off the coast of Victoria state last month when they spotted the reclusive mammals, which are so rarely seen that no population estimates of the species exist. Voyage leader Michael Double said the black and cream-coloured mammals with prominent dolphin-like beaks had been spotted in the wild only a handful of times through history.

According to the Australian environment department, there have only been two previous confirmed sightings - a lone individual in New Zealand and a group of three in Western Australia. They have never been filmed live before.

"These animals are practically entirely known from stranded dead whales, and there haven't been many of them," Double told AFP, calling the footage "unique". "They are an offshore animal, occupying deep water, and when they surface it is only for a very short period of time."

Double said what was remarkable about the sighting was that the whale was previously thought to be a solitary creature, yet was in a pod of 10 to 12. "To find them in a pod is very exciting and will change the guide books. Our two whale experts will now carefully study the footage to work out the whale sizes and so on and prepare a scientific paper." The Shepherd's beaked whale, also known as the Tasman beaked whale, was discovered in 1937 but little is known about them.

Rare Whales Spotted in Bass Strait Scientists hope the sighting of a pod of rare Shepherd's beaked whales will lead to new research into the species.



 Source: Physorg.com and AFP


Shepherd’s Beaked Whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi)
Status: Data Deficient
Shepherd's beaked whales are primarily known from a few dozen strandings, all south of 30°S, around New Zealand, southern Australia, southern South America, the Juan Fernandez Islands, and Tristan de Cunha (Mead 1989).


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Bhutan Key Refuge for Snow Leopards, Caught on Camera!

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Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)


Bhutan Key Refuge for Snow Leopards, Caught on Camera!

The World Wildlife Fund is reporting evidence of ample prey shows the means for Snow Leopards to survive, even thrive, in Bhutan's Wangchuck Centennial Park. Prey includes the Tibet Wolf, Musk Deer, Red Fox, and Blue Sheep, which appear to be numerous. Below are the first images from the Park.

Researchers See Hopeful Signs for Bhutan's Elusive Snow Leopard Endangered snow leopards are thriving in Bhutan, according to a new report released by the World Wildlife Fund. Instead of attempting to track the leopards, researchers at the Wangchuck Centennial Park in Bhutan took a census of the wildlife on which the elusive leopards prey. Ben Gruber reports.



Snow Leopards Caught on Camera This extraordinary scene is from a new cache of video and photos taken through a camera trap study by the Royal Government of Bhutan and WWF in Wangchuck Centennial Park, the country's largest protected area. The cameras filmed both predator and prey species, ranging from the Tibetan wolf to the musk deer, suggesting this protected area is a key refuge for Himalayan biodiversity.



Related Posts
Mountain Wildlife in Afghanistan Survive Conflict Zone

WWF has worked to preserve Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage for decades and is the only international conservation organization with a permanent presence in the country.

"WWF has a special commitment to Wangchuck Centennial Park because we were invited to co-manage it with the government in 2009,” said Shubash Lohani of WWF’s Eastern Himalayas program. “It was the first time Bhutan entrusted a non governmental entity to co-manage a protected area together with the government."


The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is classified as Endangered, with a decreasing population trend, on the IUCN Red List. The estimated population is less than 7,000 in the following countries:
Afghanistan: 100-200?
Bhutan: 100-200?
China: 2,000-2,500
India: 200-600
Kazakhstan: 180-200
Kyrgyzstan: 150-500
Mongolia: 500-1,000
Nepal: 300-500
Pakistan: 200-420
Russia: 150-200
Tajikistan: 180-220
Uzbekistan: 20-50




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Captive Sumatran Rhinos Last Hope for Species?

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Sumatran Rhinocerous

Rare Sumatran Rhinocerous Puntung is a female Sumatran rhino, one of an estimated 200 of her species left in the world. Captured in a forest in Borneo on Christmas Day, she's the latest addition to Malaysia's Borneo Rhino Sanctuary. Veterinarians want to introduce Puntung to Tam a 20-year-old male living in the enclosure next door. Captive breeding is now regarded as the only way to boost the Sumatran rhino population. Deforestation and illegal hunting have decimated the species in the wild. Habitat fragmentation has cut these solitary animals off from potential mates, and the animals are ageing to the point where they are too old to breed. Puntung presents their best opportunity in decades to help a species whose time is running out.

IUCN Red List: Sumatran Rhinoceros This species (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is listed as Critically Endangered due to very severe declines of greater than 80% over three generations (generation length estimated at 20 years); and because its population size is estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals and there is an expected continuing decline of at least 25% within one generation; and because its population size is estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals, with no subpopulation greater than 50 individuals, and it is experiencing a continuing decline. There are three recognized subspecies: Dicerorhinus sumatrensis lasiotis (probably Extinct), Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis, and Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni.

Captive Sumatran Rhino Romance May Be Last Hope for Species The hopes for an entire species may rest on a captive breeding program and two Sumatran rhinos at a sanctuary in Malaysia. The Sumatran rhino is not only the world's smallest rhinoceros, it is also one of the rarest with deforestation and poaching having decimated its population in the wild. Rob Muir reports.




Sumatran Rhinocerous


International Union for Conservation of Nature

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The 7 Wonders of Nature (Video, Images) *Provisional winners announced from global voting*

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New 7 Wonders of Nature

7 Wonders of Nature Announced The provisional list of the New 7 Wonders of Nature have been announced by New7Wonders. The global voting is now being checked, validated, and independently verified. The official winners will be announced in early 2012 during the official inauguration ceremonies. It is possible there will be changes between the provisional winners and the confirmed winners.

The provisional winners, in alphabetical order, are:
▲ Amazon (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela)
▲ Halong Bay (Vietnam)
▲ Iguazu Falls (Argentina, Brazil)
▲ Jeju Island (South Korea)
▲ Komodo (Indonesia)
▲ Puerto Princesa Underground River (Philippines)
▲ Table Mountain (South Africa)

The other finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
▲ Angel Falls (Venezuela)
▲ Bay of Fundy (Canada)
▲ Black Forest (Germany)
▲ Bu Tinah Island (United Arab Emirates)
▲ Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)
▲ Dead Sea (Israel, Jordan, Palestine)
▲ El Yunque (Puerto Rico)
▲ Galapagos (Ecuador)
▲ Grand Canyon (United States)
▲ Great Barrier Reef (Australia, Papua New Guinea)
▲ Jeita Grotto (Lebanon)
▲ Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
▲ Islands of the Maldives (Maldives)
▲ Masurian Lake District (Poland)
▲ Matterhorn/Cervino (Italy, Switzerland)
▲ Milford Sound (New Zealand)
▲ Mud Volcanoes (Azerbaijan)
▲ Sunderbans (Bangladesh, India)
▲ Uluru (Australia)
▲ Vesuvius (Italy)
▲ Yushan (Chinese Taipei)

Announcing the Provisional New7Wonders of Nature The provisional New7Wonders of Nature are, in alphabetical order: Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Table Mountain. Here, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, announces the names of the provisional New7Wonders of Nature at the New7Wonders headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

New7Wonders

A global movement, creating 7 symbols of heritage and nature, becoming part of Global Memory forever.

Amazon (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela)

Halong Bay (Vietnam)

 Iguazu Falls (Argentina, Brazil)

Jeju Island (South Korea)

Komodo (Indonesia)

Puerto Princesa Underground River (Philippines)

Table Mountain (South Africa)

International Union for Conservation of Nature
Conserving Biodiversity

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The Great Ocean Garbage Patches (Videos) *Human trash impacting marine life*

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Pollution on seashores and the open ocean is increasing

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Plastic bags and other human trash are now common in the world's oceans. With the world's population now reaching 7 billion people, up 1 billion in 12 years, the pollution of the world's oceans with human trash intensifies. Dr. Marcus Eriksen, of the 5 Gyres Institute, studies the amount and impact of plastic debris in the ocean. He has traveled to the ocean gyres that trap this debris in a giant garbage patch, an enormous plastic soup. The North Pacific Gyre, or garbage patch, may be the size of Texas. Dr. Bill Van Bonn, of the Marine Mammal Center, adds that he has seen plastic bags in the stomachs of whales, sea lions, and dolphins. Trash is mistaken for food or prey by the creatures in the sea and ingested.

Plastic Bags and the Environment CNN's Amber Lyon examines the effect plastic bags have on the ocean.

Plastics in the Oceans Dr. Marcus Eriksen, was interviewed on 11 Alive News for Earth Day. Eriksen studies plastics in our oceans, and the effects on our water and planet.

World's Ocean Gyres

The 5 Gyres Institute
Our mission is to conduct research and communicate about the global impact of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and employ strategies to eliminate the accumulation of plastic pollution in the 5 subtropical gyres.

Marine Mammal Center
Our mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals - their health and that of their ocean environment - and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community.

International Union for Conservation of Nature
Conserving Biodiversity

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Mountain Wildlife in Afghanistan Survive Conflict Zone (Video) *Further protection needed*

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The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) of Nuristan, Afghanistan
 Listed as Endangered, population trend decreasing, by the IUCN

Spectacular Wildlife in Afghanistan Needs Protection While war comes to mind when Afghanistan is mentioned, the mountain region of Nuristan is the home of spectacular wildlife and magnificent scenery. Joe Walston, Asia Program Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society, is leading an effort to preserve and protect this special ecosystem. Nuristan is unlike other areas of Afghanistan and is "much more like the Italian Alps or the Rocky Mountains in the United States". The Snow Leopard inhabits this region along with the Markhor (Capra falconeri), a large species of wild goat with large corkscrew, spiraling horns. The Markhor is listed as Endangered, population trend decreasing, by the IUCN. The Asian Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), aka Himalayan Black Bear, Moon Bear, or White-Chested Bear, is indigenous to Nuristan and listed as Vulnerable, population trend decreasing, by the IUCN. Another inhabitant of Nuristan is the familiar Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and is listed worldwide as Least Concern, population trend stable, by the IUCN.

Wildlife Conservation Society Efforts The WCS reports and surveys are optimistic. Camera traps set in a 1,000 square kilometer area between 2006 and 2009 show the wildlife in Nuristan is surviving despite the ongoing war. Joe Walston of WCS says, "WCS helped the Afghanistan government develop its first national park (Band-e-Amir National Park) not far from Kabul. It's already a tourist site, people are regularly going out." In a time of war, stress, and tension, "people want something that provides an escape from that, but also something that is a point of pride". Walston said, "Band-e-Amir is an example of something that Afghanistan can and should be proud of". 

Animals in Afghanistan Survive Conflict Most people think of Afghanistan as a conflict zone, but it’s also the home of spectacular wildlife in need of protection.

Nuristan is important mountain habitat for wildlife

Wildlife Conservation Society
Saving Wildlife, Saving Wild Places

International Union for Conservation of Nature
Conserving Biodiversity

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