An important scientific journal article published today finds that
66% of Earth’s land area must be maintained as natural and
agro-ecological ecosystems to sustain a livable environment. Yet about
50% have already been lost, threatening global biosphere collapse. In
describing the paper, author Dr. Glen Barry suggests the Ebola epidemic,
California drought, and Middle East revolutions indicate planetary
boundaries have been exceeded.
August 5, 2014
Contact: Dr. Glen Barry
DrGlenBarry@EcoInternet.org
Citation: Barry, G. (2014), “Terrestrial ecosystem loss and biosphere collapse”,
Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 542-563.
Abstract
(Madison, WI) – New science finds that two-thirds of Earth’s
land-based ecosystems must be protected to sustain the biosphere
long-term. Yet about one-half of Earth’s natural ecosystems have already
been lost. The scientific review article by Dr. Glen Barry – entitled
“Terrestrial ecosystem loss and biosphere collapse” – was published
today in the international journal “Management of Environmental
Quality”.
The paper proposes terrestrial ecosystem loss as the tenth ecological
planetary boundary (along with climate change, biodiversity loss, and
nitrogen deposition which have already been exceeded, and six others
nearing the limit). It is proposed that 66% of Earth’s land – 44% as
intact natural ecosystems and 22% as agro-ecological buffers – must
remain intact to sustain the biosphere. This would require ending
industrial primary forest logging and restoring old-growth forests to
reconnect fragmented landscapes and bioregions. It is necessary to
remain within planetary boundaries to ensure humanity continues to be
surrounded by a healthy natural environment adequate to sustain the
biosphere as well as local livelihoods and well-being.
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