Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Biosphere - WBGU

Contents
Acknowledgements
Outline of Contents
V
VII
Contents
Boxes
Tables
Figures
IX
XIX
XXI
XXII
Acronyms and abbreviations
XXIV
A
B
C
C 1
C 1.1
C 1.2
C 1.3
C 1.3.1
C 1.3.2
C 1.3.3
C 1.3.4
C 2
C 2.1
C 2.2
D
D 1
D 1.1
D 1.2
D 1.3
D 1.3.1
D 1.3.1.1
D 1.3.1.2
Summary for Policymakers 1
Introduction: Humanity reconstructs the biosphere or The three pillars of
folly 7
The biosphere at the centre of the people-environment relationship 13
Trends of global change in the biosphere 15
The biosphere-centred network of interrelations 15
Mechanisms with a direct impact within the biosphere 17
Impact loops in the biosphere-centred network of interrelations of global
change 18
Threat to genetic and species diversity 19
Misappropriations in natural and cultivated landscapes 19
Impairment of the regulatory functions of the biosphere 24
Humankind as the preserver of nature 24
Impact loops as core elements of syndromes 27
Chains of action as part of a syndrome 28
Chains of action as part of several syndromes 28
Genetic diversity and species diversity 29
The use of genetic and species diversity as illustrated by the higher plants 31
Introduction 31
The bases of genetic and species diversity and their geographic distribution 31
Human use of species: the higher plants 35
Plant species used 35
Food plants 35
Medicinal and poisonous plants and drugs 35