Ever-expanding consumption puts strains on the environment - emissions and wastes that pollute the earth and destroy ecosystems, and growing depletion and degradation of renewable resources that undermines livelihoods. Runaway growth in consumption in the past 50 years is putting strains on the environment never before seen. -The burning of fossil fuels has almost quintupled since 1950. - The consumption of fresh water has almost double since 1960. -The marine catch has increased fourfold. -Wood consumption, both for industry and for household fuel, is now 40% higher than it was 25 years ago.