This increase can, with a fair degree of certainty, be attributed in part to climate change induced by human activity. Deforestation, degradation of natural coastal protection and poor infrastructure have increased the likelihood that weather shocks will turn into human disasters, especially in the least developed countries. Thus, business as usual is not an option. Even if we were to stop the global engines of growth, the depletion and pollution of our natural environment would continue because of existing consumption patterns and production methods.