We can build an economy that does not destroy its natural support systems, a global community where the basic needs of all the Earth's people are satisfied, and a world that will allow us to think of ourselves as civilized. This is entirely doable.

In today's integrated world economy, ... eradicating poverty may contribute as much to U.S. security as eradicating terrorism.

Rising oil prices have focused the world's attention on the depletion of oil reserves. But the depletion of underground water resources from overpumping is a far more serious issue. Excessive pumping for irrigation to satisfy food needs today almost guarantees a decline in food production tomorrow.

In this era of tightening world food supplies, the ability to grow food is fast becoming a new form of geopolitical leverage, and countries are scrambling to secure their own parochial interests at the expense of the common good.

Humanity's greatest challenge may soon be just making it to the next harvest.

One way or another, the choice will be made by our generation, but it will affect life on earth for all generations to come

Farmers...can no longer keep up with rising demand; thus the outlook is for chronic scarcities and rising prices.