LONDON (AlertNet) – Efforts to feed an extra 2 billion people by mid-century could lead to widespread destruction of forests, wetlands and other natural systems that protect and regulate the world’s water, researchers warn.

But finding ways to boost agricultural production while protecting nature could produce big benefits, including reduced poverty and hunger in some of the world’s most fragile countries and hikes in food production that are sustainable beyond 2050.

CO2, birth & death rates by country, simulated real-time

Ecological footprints measure humanity's demands on nature.  Everything we do has consequences.

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires?  You're abount to find out.  The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates the amount of land and ocean area required to sustain your consumption patterns and absorb your wastes on an annual basis.  After answering 27 easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to others' and learn how to reduce your impact on the Earth.

9 billion people live well, and within the limits of the planet:

WBCSD-VISION-2050

Oxfam, the antihunger group, has been running a campaign to call attention to the global food crisis, its consequences and its potential solutions. The Times outlined the challenge of future food security on a warming planet in this article several weeks ago, and this week my colleague Jeffrey Gettleman described the appalling famine unfolding in Somalia.