Waste disposal is a big urban problem. Forests are being depleted, particularly in the Amazon. Conspicuous over-consumption causes acute problems. The average American uses 1,600 litres of fuel a year compared with 330 litres in Europe. Exposure to pesticides and toxic compounds is a long-term threat to health.
Large areas are desert, or classed as dry lands and getting drier.
Groundwater sources are critically low as volumes used far exceed natural replenishment. Populations are growing far faster than water resources can be developed. Salt, alkaline deposits and excess nutrients are destroying soil fertility. Pollution is a serious problem. More than 1.2m gallons of oil a year are spilled into the Gulf.