'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

Extreme weather pushes Easter lamb prices up by a fifth

Extreme weather pushes Easter lamb prices up by a fifth

Droughts, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall have all contributed to higher prices for lamb in time for Easter

clock 03 April 2026 • 3 min read
Angera Declaration: 150 leading scientists call for bolder action to tackle methane emissions

Angera Declaration: 150 leading scientists call for bolder action to tackle methane emissions

Statement to mark 250th anniversary of the discovery of methane calls on policymakers and businesses to rapidly accelerate efforts to tackle powerful greenhouse gas

James Murray
clock 30 March 2026 • 3 min read
 'Easter Eggflation' bites as chocolate prices jump 66 per cent since 2023

'Easter Eggflation' bites as chocolate prices jump 66 per cent since 2023

As UK families prepare for Easter, new ECIU analysis warns the cost of climate change is hitting home with a dramatic surge in the price of chocolate eggs

clock 26 March 2026 • 3 min read