The Limits to Growth (published 1972), warned that if dominant trends continue, then, probably by 2070, an ‘uncontrollable decline in both population and industrial capacity’ will occur. Its warning is one of many, from nature and from scientists, that remain largely ignored by global decision makers. For example, almost all measures of progress are still unadjusted for decline in natural or social capital. Climate change is obvious and accelerating. COVID-19, whose origins also lie in human activities and hubris, is another signal of civilisation’s vulnerability and risk. The human species needs to respond urgently, collectively, and progressively to these warnings, to prevent downward spirals that risk civilization’s collapse.

《增长的极限》（1972年出版）警告说，如果继续保持主导趋势，那么很可能到2070年，“人口和工业能力的下降都将无法控制”。它的警告是自然界和科学家提出的众多警告之一，而全球决策者对此仍然大为忽视。例如，对于自然或社会资本的下降，几乎所有的进步指标仍然没有进行调整。气候变化是明显的并且正在加速。COVID-19的起源也来自人类活动和自大，是文明脆弱性和风险的又一个信号。人类需要紧急，集体和渐进地对这些警告作出反应，以防止可能导致文明崩溃的螺旋式下降。