Environmental Scan — June 2004

Environment

Environmental degradation continues to impact developing countries disproportionately.

Rising population and human consumption, especially in the impoverished world, will be among the key issues impacting the future health of the planet.

Living organisms are under intense stress in many parts of the world. Loss in biodiversity and freshwater scarcity will increasingly contribute to declining health and security.

Canada’s natural capital relatively healthy despite high per capita pressures, but continues to be at risk.

In this Section...

• large cities face acute air pollution
• oceans are overexploited and polluted with 90% of large ocean predators “fished-out”
• water scarcity could fuel late 21st century wars
• energy projections - grim future for renewables
• Canadian wildlife affected by industrial activity/staples economy as well as habitat reduction
• highly toxic electronic waste booming in Canada

To obtain an electronic copy (PDF) of this section or the complete report, please send a request by e-mail to the Strategic Policy and Planning Branch of the RCMP to