By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life.
This is the opinion of Stacey Davidson, Director of Redisa (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa).
Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development, continues Davidson.
Conversely, this years’ theme for World Environment Day this year is “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet”.
In South Africa, the tyre industry is leading the way towards developing a circular economy. REDISA, as gazetted by the Department of Environmental Affairs, has developed the environment in which a new tyre recycling industry can function, and succeed – resulting in an increase of job creation opportunities countrywide.
“Consume with Care” seeks to highlight how the well-being of humanity, the environment and economies ultimately depends on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources.
Of key interest is that, people –worldwide- are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide, that means -alarmingly-by 2050 we shall need three planets to sustain our lives.
Says Davidson: “There are many options available to cut emissions, including using energy more efficiently, switching to renewable energy sources and investing in large-scale afforestation.
We believe though that is time for a fundamental shift in how nations address waste. If waste is recovered and recycled back into new raw materials or used for energy efficiency, creating value in place of the costs associated with waste, then everyone benefits.”
These are disturbing stats indeed…
