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Jeffrey Sachs, who gave a presentation during the opening session of the Global Forum talked about the challenges imposed if we are to reduce extreme poverty and change behavior around the world

The planet is overcrowded. The Earth is under stress. For today’s society to ensure a future for the next generations it is necessary to take quick action. These were the warnings  in the talk given by North American economist and Professor of Columbia University, Jeffrey Sachs, who was the keynote speaker during the opening of the BAWB/Global Forum Latin America 2009, tonight (Wednesday 4^th), in Curitiba.

In the economist’s opinion, it is necessary to rethink global economy focusing on the reduction of extreme poverty and on new sources of energy. “For 7 billion people, we need new energy sources, new means of transportation, new layouts for our cities, new lifestyles. We must plan the future.", he said.

His suggestions included developing alternative and sound technologies for the planet. “How are we going to produce enough food for the entire population without destroying Earth? The market cannot provide for this on its own,” he stated.

According to Sachs, society is at a crossroads and must become aware of the options available to move on. “There are two possible directions: one is to go on destroying the planet and the other is to build a new era, with a more harmonious world,” said Sachs. “Society must become aware of these two options.”