Earth Matters: Sustainability: Is it Too Late?

Thought leaders around the world define sustainability as meeting the needs of people today without compromising the well-being of future generations. Current circumstances and trajectories present a significant challenge to achieving that goal. In just fifteen years the world population is expected to increase by 1 billion to more than 8.2 billion people. By 2030, 35 percent more food will be needed, along with 40 percent more fresh water and 50 percent more power. Meanwhile, climate is changing, sea levels are rising, oceans are acidifying, and biodiversity is being lost. So what will it take to meet humanity's needs? And can we do that while protecting the life-support systems of the planet?