An on-line community for the environment sector
Lemmings?
As I get a little older, hopefully a little wisdom has finally percolated into my no longer smooth brain.
As such, and with the help of governments who have exclusively banged the drum of economic growth for years - with the fruits of that particular beat now plainly rotting on the orchard floor - I am beginning to believe that the fundamental environmental problem is that there are simply too many people on this wonderful planet. I recommend a visit to www.optimumpopulation.org to see, amongst other interesting and neutrally presented facts, that the world adds the population of Birmingham to its human burden EVERY SINGLE DAY ......... Surely this cannot continue?
As such, and with the help of governments who have exclusively banged the drum of economic growth for years - with the fruits of that particular beat now plainly rotting on the orchard floor - I am beginning to believe that the fundamental environmental problem is that there are simply too many people on this wonderful planet. I recommend a visit to www.optimumpopulation.org to see, amongst other interesting and neutrally presented facts, that the world adds the population of Birmingham to its human burden EVERY SINGLE DAY ......... Surely this cannot continue?
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Permalink Reply by Gareth Kane on -
Nobody seems to talk about the IPAT equation anymore:
(Environmental) Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology (what they buy with the affluence)
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Permalink Reply by Doug Harris on -
Perhaps because it's a little too simplistic?!
I note that we cull deer when they become too numerous and poison rats when they breed excessively. I wonder whether mankind will self-cull (through sensible population control) or unwittingly poison itself?
Surely we cannot go on breeding in this way? It occurs to me that we are the first in the planet's history to warp the laws of evolution. Whereas previously it was "survival of the fittest", when one considers the crutches (in the widest sense) given to the "un-fit" (admittedly also the "unfortunate" in many cases) through health care, foreign aid, social benefits, fertility treatment and all manner of other help, it may be that we will find ourselves at loggerheads with nature sooner rather than later. I know who will win if it comes to a war ...
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Permalink Reply by John Halliwell on -
If its a choice between suicide and IPAT Im with Gareth, But I think I can excuse myself suicide by pushing for 'totally sustainable products' and warp drive!
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Permalink Reply by Doug Harris on
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I think I have mentioned the Optimum Population Trust on another discussion somewhere. Worth googling ...
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