The Funnel Metaphor
The current situation on Earth can be viewed as
a funnel with ever diminishing room to maneuver. Life-support
systems for our continued existence on the planet––those providing
clean air, clean water, and food – are in decline. At the same
time, the global population and global demand for these resources
are both increasing.
Many of our current practices and activities are
leading us to "hit the wall" of this funnel. Using the funnel
metaphor, the goal is to make choices over time that avoidi the
constraints of the ‘walls’ by moving toward sustainable ways of
living, and ultimately to restoration of the natural system.
What are some signs that the funnel walls are, in fact,
narrowing?
-
The population on our planet has more than
doubled in recent years, and the human population will grow from
6.1 billion to 9 billion by 2050 = increased demand
-
Underground aquifers are being depleted for 480
people = decreased supply
-
15 of 24 global ecosystems are in dramatic
decline = decreased supply
-
Global emissions of carbon dioxide has
quadrupled since the 1940s = decreased supply
-
Nearly half of the world’s old growth forests
are gone = decreased supply
-
Municipal waste grew by 30% in developed nations
since 1975 = increased demand
-
75 percent of the major marine fish stocks are
being fished at or beyond their biological limit = decreased
supply
Yet sustainability is not only about the
environment. The uneven pace and impacts of global development
contributes to many of the factors noted above. Currently, within
the entire global population:
-
Almost 50% live on less than $2 per day
-
41% lack access to basic sanitation
-
17% are unable to read
-
13% suffer from malnutrition
-
2% have a college education
In this context, can we really afford not to work towards
increased sustainability?
Source: Population Connection (
www.populationconnection.org)