UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor speaks out at PSN event
28 February 2006
Source: PSN
Speaking at a PSN event on 28 February, Sir David King, the UK government's Chief Scientific Advisor, has predicted a very substantial impact of global population increase over the next few decades, with serious implications for environmental sustainability.
A dolphin off Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, a global hotspot for marine mammals. Rapid population growth is reducing biodiversity.
Credit: UN Photo/Martine Perret
A Green Revolution is needed
Singling out three key factors, Sir David warned of the need for a Green Revolution in crop productivity at least equal to that of the last 40 years if the world's burgeoning population was to be adequately nourished.
Climate Change
Climate change was another key corollary of population growth, with increases in mean temperatures causing widespread water shortages and loss of cropland. Rises in sea levels would also cause massive population displacements.
A Mass Wave of Extinctions
One of Sir David's most disturbing prognoses concerned the impact of population increase on loss of biodiversity through habitat destruction, over-exploitation, pollution and climate change. Answering questions after his presentation, Sir David predicted a mass wave of extinctions.
A transcript of the presentation is available here.