Cyber-Eco Technology: Engineering of Ecological Systems [Point of View]

The Earth's human population and per capita use of resources have grown dramatically in the past century. Rapid conversion of land from wilderness to agricultural and urban use, air and water pollution, drawdown of potable water resources, overfishing, and increased use of fossil-based fuels have changed the Earth's natural systems, as indicated by increasing average global temperatures, invasions of exotic species, modification of the level and chemistry of our oceans, and rapidly declining biodiversity. Examines the impact to the global ecosystems and discusses initiatives to manage and control the terrestrial, aquatic, and martime systems impacted.