If all the world's population consumed the same amount of energy, water, food, and minerals as Americans, it would require the natural resouces equivalent to five planet Earths to support us. Furthermore, the world’s population is predicted to increase by 3 billion people over the next 50 years, yet the natural resources the earth’s inhabitants must rely upon for basic needs are rapidly depleting.
Impacts of the rising global demand for energy, water, raw materials, and land are felt locally, right here in Baltimore. As population and energy demand in our region continue to grow, the state of Maryland may face a shortage in electrical capacity, fresh water, and arable land. In order to thrive into the future, the Baltimore community must learn to use resources more wisely and efficiently. Conserving energy, water, and raw materials protects natural resources, saves money, creates jobs, and helps equip communities to deal with shortages in the future, ultimately creating a more sustainable future.