The dominant patterns of production and consumption
are causing environmental devastation,
the depletion of resources,
and a massive extinction of species.

Communities are being undermined.
The benefits of development are not shared equitably
and the gap between rich and poor is widening.

Injustice, poverty, ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread
and the cause of great suffering.

An unprecedented rise in human population
has overburdened ecological and social systems.

The foundations of global security are threatened.
These trends are perilous
—but not inevitable.

Next: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD