'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

Global Briefing: Ukraine considers 'world first' $44bn wartime emissions claim against Russia

Global Briefing: Ukraine considers 'world first' $44bn wartime emissions claim against Russia

Reports claim Ukraine war has generated 237 million tons of additional CO2 emissions, Jamaica raises alarm over climate-disaster funding shortfall, and EU and South Africa ink critical minerals deal

Stuart Stone
clock 21 November 2025 • 9 min read
COP30: Anatomy of a roadmap

COP30: Anatomy of a roadmap

The end game at COP30 has is boiling down to a stand-off over whether to introduce a roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels - and leading businesses want the plan for tackling fossil fuels to secure approval

James Murray
clock 21 November 2025 • 6 min read
COP30: Row over fossil fuel roadmap escalates as talks enter final day

COP30: Row over fossil fuel roadmap escalates as talks enter final day

Group of industrialised and developing countries are reportedly threatening to block agreement if final text fails to commit to new roadmap to 'transition away' from fossil fuels

James Murray
clock 21 November 2025 • 4 min read