Population growth and resource consumption

The population of the world is now six billion people, and more are arriving every day. The basic human needs for fresh water, food and fuel are making unprecedented demands on our global and local ecosystems. Further than the necessities of survival, there is increasing demand throughout the globe for more material goods and services. As the nations strive to increase material wealth and the comforts and conveniences, the pressure on biodiversity and natural resources will only increase.