Rapid recovery of damaged ecosystems
In: PLoS One. Public Library of Science: San Francisco. ISSN 1932-6203; e-ISSN 1932-6203, meer
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| Abstract |
Background: Recent reports on the state of the global environment provide evidence that humankind is inflicting greatdamage to the very ecosystems that support human livelihoods. The reports further predict that ecosystems will takecenturies to recover from damages if they recover at all. Accordingly, there is despair that we are passing on a legacy of irreparable damage to future generations which is entirely inconsistent with principles of sustainability.Methodology/Principal Findings: We tested the prediction of irreparable harm using a synthesis of recovery times compiled from240 independent studies reported in the scientific literature. We provide startling evidence that most ecosystems globally can, given human will, recover from very major perturbations on timescales of decades to half-centuries.Significance/Conclusions: Accordingly, we find much hope that humankind can transition to more sustainable use ofecosystems. |
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