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Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 October 2006, 15:06 GMT 16:06 UK
The living planet: facts and figures
The planet's natural resources are being consumed faster than they can be replaced, according to the WWF.

If current trends continue two planets would be needed by 2050 to meet humanity's demands.

Eco footprints

Lifestyles and the consumption of resources vary wildly from country to country. On average each person needs 2.2 global hectares to support the demands they place on the environment, but the planet is only able to meet consumption levels of 1.8 global hectares per person.


Chart showing ecological footprint Vs planet's health

Humanity's demand for resources is now outstripping supply by about 25%, as the growth of our ecological footprint shows. Meanwhile the health of the planet's ecosystems, measured by the living planet index, is falling, at "a rate unprecedented in human history," according to the WWF.


Global ecological footprints by proportion



Map of eco-debtors and creditors



Report author explains his findings

Global ecosystems 'face collapse'
24 Oct 06 |  Science/Nature

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