Rapid recovery of damaged ecosystems.
BACKGROUND
Recent reports on the state of the global environment provide evidence that humankind is inflicting great damage to the very ecosystems that support human livelihoods. The reports further predict that ecosystems will take centuries to recover from damages if they recover at all. Accordingly, there is despair that we are passing on a legacy of irreparable damage to future generations which is entirely inconsistent with principles of sustainability.


RESULTS
We tested the prediction of irreparable harm using a synthesis of recovery times compiled from 240 independent studies reported in the scientific literature. We provide startling evidence that most ecosystems globally can, given human will, recover from very major perturbations on timescales of decades to half-centuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Accordingly, we find much hope that humankind can transition to more sustainable use of ecosystems.
Jones
Holly P
HP
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. holly.jones@yale.edu
Schmitz
Oswald J
OJ
D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005843:Geography; D013997:Time Factors