problems. All these problems are very difficult to be tackled mainly by the U.N. in the existing global system, since the U.N. is an assembly of sovereign states."
I would like to present my views on these problems.
First, the degradation of the environment. This planet, Earth, has become significantly deteriorated. This is the only planet we have. We cannot move onto other planets. We cannot just sit hack and watch the environment deteriorating in front of us. The deterioration is not caused by population increase only. Though the rate of population increase is an important factor, it is not the only one. There are various other factors, as Mr. Akashi mentioned. He also cited a number of statistics. I would like to add that the present increase rate of human beings is 100 million persons per year. That means we will have another China in ten years. The number people who live on the earth at present is greater than the total people who have died so far. According to various scenarios provided by the U.N., at least 7 billion people will be added during a span of one generation. The population will reach 10 billion in the next century. The rate of increase is unusual. Undoubtedly, 95% of the increase has occurred in developing countries. Mankind will have a very tragic fate, which will of course cause suffering. At the same time, the deterioration of the environment will continue, leading to more poverty. Using natural resources one after another will result in deforestation and wider areas of desert. Soils will be eroded and grains will not grow. That will aggravate poverty further in a vicious circle.
People who cannot live in farm villages will concentrate in cities, then into more prosperous countries. Pressure of population increase could be the greatest threat to peace and security. In addition, this threat is more dangerous than the differential in armaments. In the next century, a war could occur for water, as well as for oil.
A more specific example is deforestation. Deforestation has been advancing at a breathtaking speed globally. One point five acres of rain forests are lost every second. The destruction is occurring continuously around the clock. During the three hours of our conference, '1.500 hectares of rain forests have disappeared from the earth. In this way, the earth's power to support people has been decreasing at the same time. We can no longer stand by idly without taking action.
Next. the problem of global warming. As a result of global warming, sea levels will become higher in the next century. Islands will vanish one after another, and so will coastal areas. Then, what will happen to Bangladesh? When Bangladesh disappears, who will pay the compensation? When such a situation becomes a reality, a question will arise
