Sustainable technology - technology which does not eliminate renewable resources but uses them at the rate they can be naturally replenished. Wild crop relatives - species and families of plants from which domesticated plants were derived. Sometimes able to cross with cultivated plants. Malthusian view that the Earth s resources are finite and endangered by human population growth and resource use. Assumption that we are are at or near the carrying capacity of the Earth s ecosystem, stresses danger of environmental collapse.
Governmental action is needed to limit environmental destruction.
Most important resource in managing the Earth s environment is human intelligence and wealth. Our ability to find new resources is greater than population or consumption growth. Ecosystems are resilient and forgiving. There is no evidence that we are near or at carrying capacity. Indeed, the idea of carrying capacity is flawed because it overlooks the ability to find technological solutions to environmental problems.