The environmental group says in its biannual Living Planet Report that if consumption patterns continue to grow at the current rate and resources are not used better two planets would be needed to meet global demand by 2050.
If the world’s population shared the UK’s lifestyle, three planets would be needed to support their needs, the report says.
The Living Planet Report, compiled by the Zoological Society of London and the Global Footprint Network, is based on data from the Living Planet Index, which tracks fish and animal species, and the Ecological Footprint, which measures human demand on the natural world.
The footprint looks at the level of biologically productive land and water needed to meet demand for food, timber, shelter, and absorb pollution from human activity.
Report authors say significant action is required now on issues such as energy generation, transport and housing to deliver a shift towards a sustainable society.
