IT IS easy to become fatalistic about environmental problems. The destruction of the natural world continues apace and seems unstoppable. Many people actively avoid environmental news, because it only makes them feel guilty and powerless.
But there is no reason to despair. A recent analysis suggests that while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly serious, it is far from unstoppable (see "Stop global warming and save biodiversity? Yes, we can"). If we make the right choices now we can stop the decline by 2100.
What would it take? The main thing is for us to take up less space. That largely means producing more food from smaller patches of land, using technologies such as genetic modification.
Inaction won't get us there. Political will is required, as is a serious effort to tackle climate change. But at least we know we still have the chance to save the majority of biodiversity without making huge sacrifices.
People who care about the natural world have every reason to keep on fighting. In this age of austerity, such concerns can seem naive and idealistic. But the other option, fatalism, is simply a guarantee of failure.
This article appeared in print under the headline "It's not too late for nature"
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