As revealed by the recent UN millennium assessment of ecosystems the structure of the world’s ecosystems changed more rapidly in the second half of the twentieth century than at any time in recorded human history, and virtually all of Earth’s ecosystems have been significantly transformed through human actions.
The most rapid changes in ecosystems are now taking place in developing countries.
Ecosystem services, particularly food production, timber and fisheries, are important for employment and economic activity. However, while intensive use of ecosystems often produces the greatest short-term advantage, excessive and unsustainable use can lead to losses in the long term.
