A new report on the death of the planet
because of human activity actually has some good news, though of course
presented in a negative light. One-sixth of ecosystem “services”, as
defined by the Millenial Environmental Assessment (MA) for their
benefits to people, have improved including “substantial” increases in
food production from crops, livestock, and aquaculture. Conversely,
capture fisheries have declined from overfishing and there is declining
production of woodfuel and wild foods. Surprisingly, the report finds
that global climate regulation has also improved as industrialized
countries have restored their woodlands– a “net source of carbon
sequestration since mid-century.” The report authors naturally conclude
that more regulation and charges for externalities are needed even
though the areas of improvement have been those with functioning
markets.