The world's fisheries have been a generous source of food throughout the ages. But now we have reached the limit of harvesting in most major fishing areas. When a fishery collapses, the most productive fishermen move their sophisticated equipment to compete in another, speeding its depletion too. It appears that the total annual catch may have peaked at 95 million tons. More than half the plant and animal species on our planet live in tropical forests.
Scientists believe they hold a trove of antibiotics and other genetic masterpieces.
If we continue cutting those forests at the current rate, they all will be gone when today's infants reach 45 years of age. World production of fuel oil is projected to peak within five to 10 years and then start a long decline to zero. Meanwhile, we keep its price low and pump faster. Although the rate of population growth has been markedly lowered, primarily through family planning, the world will add about 78 million people in 2000. Our goal must be to reach zero growth.