Ecological Restoration in an Era of Ecological Disequilibrium

Abstract

The current rate of ecological destruction greatly exceeds the rate of ecological repair, a situation that obviously cannot continue indefinitely. In addition, the rate of biotic impoverishment makes finding suitable species for recolonization extremely difficult. Furthermore, for the first time in human history, humankind is confronted with two global, ecological problems: (1) climate change, including global warming, which makes return to antecedent conditions extremely difficult, and (2) acidification of the world s oceans, which raises the threat of ecological disequilibrium in these vast systems. The biospheric life support system is probably approaching a number of ecological tipping points, which means the conditions so favorable to humankind may be impaired or even made unfavorable. Measures could be taken at local, regional, and global levels to reduce these risks, but the time for implementing them is shortened every year.