People vs. the planet: A new look at a looming crisis

An exhaustive U.N. report outlines the massive impact human activity has had on the natural world, suggesting that one million plant and animal species could face extinction within decades without major changes. What’s behind the crisis? A number of factors, from clearing of forests for crop production to overfishing to pollution. Leaving future generations a healthy planet will depend on what individuals and governments do to protect land and sea and drive more innovative, sustainable practices.