Destruction or over-exploitation of natural resources
7.8.2017
Question for written answer E-005176-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Kostas Chrysogonos (GUE/NGL)
Global Footprint Network findings show that, in 2017, the date on which humanity’s resource consumption exceeded the Earth’s capacity to regenerate those resources for the entire year was reached earlier than ever, on 2 August.[1] This means that, up to the end of 2017 we will be over-exploiting natural resources or forced to rely on artificial means.
According to the WWF, this record overshoot is evidence that humanity is now faced with an unsustainable ecological deficit, needing the resources of 1.7 planets each year to sustain its current needs, a figure that would increase to almost three planets if everyone enjoyed European lifestyles. The WWF report concludes that the Earth has now reached its limits, a 58%[2]. drop in the global animal population having been registered between 1970 and 2012.
In view of this:
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the above statistics? What policies is it seeking to introduce with a view to making us more sparing with natural resources?
- 2.What measures is it taking to sustain and regenerate the planet’s natural resources?