A message from the Chairman
The dictionary definition of a tipping point is "the point at which a slow, reversible change becomes irreversible, often with dramatic consequences". All the scientific evidence available to WWF suggests that the world is reaching its tipping point as humanity's footprint stretches the Earth's natural resources to their limit.
This was the chilling message from this year's WWF annual conference which took place in Beijing – where nearly 50 years ago our founder, Sir Peter Scott, began the campaign to save the giant panda which is now protected in 55 reserves across China. Today, WWF's work to protect the panda continues – but in the context of the rapid industrialisation of China and the attendant global threats of climate change.
In the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square, Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan told the conference about China's commitment to develop a low-carbon economy through energy efficient technology and his government's efforts to control pollution.
Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, spelled out the consequences of the world failing to take action to reduce consumption. Climate change, he said, was not just an environmental problem. It was "an all encompassing threat", imperilling fresh water sources and food supplies and triggering population migrations that would become a threat to peace. "This is not science fiction," he said. "The planet is perilously close to the point of no return."
Addressing the problems of climate change demands a global approach. The first phase of the Kyoto Protocol – the backbone of global climate change agreements and initiatives – expires in 2012 and negotiations on its successor are already under way. If a meaningful, workable treaty is to come into place, China's full participation in its creation is essential.
WWF has a clear global vision of the task ahead. The world is living beyond the capacity of the Earth's natural resources and our all-encompassing campaign work now embraces not just the protection of species and habitats (including our seas), but also the reduction of consumption and the threats of climate change. The role and responsibility of each of us as individuals cannot be overestimated. We hold the world in trust for future generations and we have to act now if we are to avert the tipping point.
WWF's important work could not happen without the generous help of our supporters, our individual donors, our corporate partners and both the European Commission and the British government who have helped fund our conservation programmes. Nor could we do it without the commitment and professionalism of our dedicated staff. My warmest thanks to them all for everything they are doing to address this delicate balance.
Christopher Ward