'We must work with nature, instead of exploiting it': UN warns plundering of natural resources puts global economy at risk

Michael Holder
clock • 6 min read
Credit: iStock
Image:

Credit: iStock

Natural resource extraction, consumption set to rise 60 per cent by 2060, damaging the climate, biodiversity and human prosperity in the process, UN report warns

Extraction of the Earth's natural resources has tripled over the past five decades and is set to rise by a further 60 per cent by 2060, putting a severe strain on planetary systems that could derail efforts...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Climate change

Study: Climatic 'tipping points' possible well before 2C warming threshold reached

Study: Climatic 'tipping points' possible well before 2C warming threshold reached

New paper details how up to eight irreversible environmental tipping points could be reached below 2C of warming

James Murray
clock 23 February 2026 • 4 min read
Global Briefing: Brazilian Amazon on course for record low deforestation in 2026

Global Briefing: Brazilian Amazon on course for record low deforestation in 2026

Illegal forest clearing in Brazil hits record low, plus Mumbai picked to host Earthshot Prize 2026, and Denmark to offer farmers €1bn to return land to nature

Stuart Stone
clock 20 February 2026 • 9 min read
'Higher chance of impacts': Exceptionally wet weather to continue until mid-March, Environment Agency warns

'Higher chance of impacts': Exceptionally wet weather to continue until mid-March, Environment Agency warns

Worsening flood outlook prompts renewed calls for climate adaptation measures

Stuart Stone
clock 19 February 2026 • 3 min read