ABSTRACT
Over several millennia, human societies have changed the world around them in search for sufficient food, water, shelter, and fuel. Their natural environment – the land, water, air, and living species – has changed under the increasing pressure of a growing population, economy, and desire to acquire wealth. In the last 50 years, however, humans have altered the environment more rapidly and extensively than ever and created international institutions to guide and regulate collective action. The profound transformation of the planet has led to significant advances in human welfare (although for some more than others) while also putting a significant strain on the ability of the planet to sustain human activity.
