“We’re part of the ecology, Ms. Stratt. We’re not outside it. The plants we eat, the animals we ranch, the air we breathe—it’s all part of the tapestry. It’s all connected. As the biomes collapse, it’ll have a direct impact on humanity.” “Okay, then: numbers,” Stratt said. “I want numbers. Tangible things, not vague predictions.” He scowled at her. “Okay. Nineteen years.” “Nineteen years?” “You wanted a number,” he said. “There’s a number. Nineteen years.” “Okay, what’s nineteen years?” “That’s my estimate for when half the people currently alive will be dead. Nineteen years from now.”
