'Humanity is about to deal with its biggest crisis ever'

Soaring food and energy prices, the global financial crisis, Greece's debt woes.

One-off events?

Not according to environmental business consultant Paul Gilding, who believes these are mere ripples before a major crisis hits the world.

Gilding, author of a new book "The Great Disruption", has a simple message: We have left it too late to avoid serious impact from climate change and ecological damage after trying to drive global economic growth far beyond system and resource capacity.

As a consequence, we risk an environmental crash, triggering a sudden collapse in the global economy, and need to be ready to respond to the ensuing "social and economic hurricane", he says.

"If you thought the financial situation in 2008 was a crisis, and if you thought climate change was a cultural, economic and political challenge, then hold on for the ride," writes Gilding, a former head of Greenpeace International.

"We are about to witness humanity deal with its biggest crisis ever, something that will shake it to the core - the end of economic growth," added the 52-year-old Australian, who as an activist was arrested five times during protests.

Text: Ed Davies, Reuters

Reuters Image