National Academies Press: OpenBook

Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World (1997)

Chapter: 7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society

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Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 411
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 412
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 413
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 414
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 415
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 416
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 417
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 418
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 419
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 420
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 421
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 422
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 423
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 424
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 425
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 426
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 427
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 428
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 429
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 430
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 431
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 432
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 433
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 434
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 435
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 436
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 437
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 438
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 439
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 440
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 441
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 442
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 443
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 444
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 445
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 446
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 447
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 448
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 449
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 450
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 451
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 452
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 453
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 454
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 455
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 456
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 457
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 458
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 459
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 460
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 461
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 462
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 463
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 464
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 465
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 466
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 467
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 468
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 469
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 470
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 471
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 472
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 473
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 474
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 475
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 476
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 477
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 478
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
×
Page 479
Suggested Citation:"7 Infrastructure for Sustaining Biodiversity-Society." National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council. 1997. Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/6142.
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Page 480

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Nature and Human Society: The Quest for a Sustainable World Get This Book
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From earliest times, human beings have noticed patterns in nature: night and day, tides and lunar cycles, the changing seasons, plant succession, and animal migration. While recognizing patterns conferred great survival advantage, we are now in danger from our own success in multiplying our numbers and altering those patterns for our own purposes.

It is imperative that we engage again with the patterns of nature, but this time, with awareness of our impact as a species. How will burgeoning human populations affect the health of ecosystems? Is loss of species simply a regrettable byproduct of human expansion? Or is the planet passing into a new epoch in just a few human generations?

Nature and Human Society presents a wide-ranging exploration of these and other fundamental questions about our relationship with the environment. This book features findings, insights, and informed speculations from key figures in the field: E.O. Wilson, Thomas Lovejoy, Peter H. Raven, Gretchen Daily, David Suzuki, Norman Myers, Paul Erlich, Michael Bean, and many others.

This volume explores the accelerated extinction of species and what we stand to lose—medicines, energy sources, crop pollination and pest control, the ability of water and soil to renew itself through biological processes, aesthetic and recreational benefits—and how these losses may be felt locally and acutely.

What are the specific threats to biodiversity? The book explores human population growth, the homogenization of biota as a result in tourism and trade, and other factors, including the social influences of law, religious belief, and public education.

Do we have the tools to protect biodiversity? The book looks at molecular genetics, satellite data, tools borrowed from medicine, and other scientific techniques to firm up our grasp of important processes in biology and earth science, including the "new" science of conservation biology.

Nature and Human Society helps us renew our understanding and appreciation for natural patterns, with surprising details about microorganisms, nematodes, and other overlooked forms of life: their numbers, pervasiveness, and importance to the health of the soil, water, and air and to a host of human endeavors.

This book will be of value to anyone who believes that the world's gross natural product is as important as the world's gross national product.

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