MONTREAL -- Rising consumption of energy and natural resources, particularly in north America, compromises the environment's capacity to provide for future generations, AFP quoted a new report from a NAFTA commission as saying Monday.

The report, prepared by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, paints a somber picture of the state of the environment on the North American continent.

It outlines that North Americans -- principally Americans and Canadians -- consume on average more energy and natural resources and produce more waste than inhabitants of other countries.

Shrinking biodiversity in North America is a major concern, according to the report delivered to the Canadian, Mexican, and U.S. governments Monday.

"The prevailing emphasis on consumption -- with high levels of energy use, waste and greenhouse gas emissions -- jeopardizes the capacity of natural resources and systems to support future generations," the report said.

The NAFTA countries "either deplete their local natural capital stocks or import their missing ecological capacity, or both," it said.

"The Canadian and U.S. ecological footprints extend considerably outside North America."

The report said for the countries to ensure the continent's environmental viability they must shift their approach.

"A major transformation is called for to shift the model of progress for ever-increasing growth in consumption, to a culture of 'material sufficiency' and the growth of quality values," it said, noting that such a transition will not be easy.