Ecosystems and human systems

Authors:
  • RCRobert Costanza
    Robert Costanza
  • BLBobbi S. Low
    Bobbi S. Low
  • EOElinor Ostrom
    Elinor Ostrom
  • JWJames A. Wilson
    James A. Wilson
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Abstract
We humans have always had an impact on our environment. While in past times we created real environmental problems, including the elimination of numerous species, rarely have we been in as much danger as we are now, in contemporary times, of extinguishing ourselves as well as everything else on earth. When our population densities were much lower and our technologies less powerful, the stakes were not so high. Erroneous judgments based on incomplete or faulty analysis produced bad outcomes, but not global disasters.