The following extract set the reports apocalyptic tone. Humans have destroyed more than 30 per cent of the natural world since 1970 with serious depletions of the forest, freshwater and marine systems on which life depends . . . These grossly misleading statements call for several observations. Forests are a renewable resource in that they are literally cultivated and then harvested, much as wheat is.
Deforestation only becomes a problem when trees are treated as a free good.
In this instance, they will be consumed until supplies are exhausted. This situation never arises where forests are privately owned and tree are treated as capital goods. As for freshwater supplies. The problem is one of underpricing. Unless water is priced it will be excessively used and inadequate investment will be made for procuring additional supplies.