Waintaining the habitable condition of the planet: balancing technological and ecosystem services

摘要

Infinite growth cannot continue on a finite planet. One reason isthat human society is dependent on a life-support system that is bothtechnological and eco- logical. Ecosystem service(includingregeneration of topsoil, maintenance of atmospheric gas balance,cleansing, whether induced by humans or by nature)are library tonature. In meeting the perceived needs of human society, the abilityprovided by nature. In meeting the perceived needs of human society,the ability of the ecological life-support system to deliver servicesmay be compromised. To prevent this, human society will have toundergo major changes in behavior.