Critical Thought

[TickTockMan]

Originally Posted by sarek

So, what are we to do? I say the first thing to do is to wake up.

?

Perhaps followed by a global policy of Zero Population Growth. I think that would be
a step in the right direction.

Regards,
DarkTock

[sarek]

Originally Posted by TickTockMan

Perhaps followed by a global policy of Zero Population Growth. I think that would be
a step in the right direction.

Regards,
DarkTock

I seem to get that reaction a lot. But it is not the number of people that is the real problem but the economic space each of them claims.

1.
I do not think it will be necessary. Given the proper allocation of the resources we have and the more efficient use of them we could easily support Earth's population for the forseeable future.

2.
Population growth is highest among those who get the smelly end of the stick. Economic progress and better education, coupled with the arrival of a strong middle class almost invariably accounts for the problem of runaway population growth. Responsible actions by religious authorities, affordable health care for everyone and adequate provisions for old age are necessary ingredients.

We just need to learn to share. The world cannot support us if everyone has a western style of consumption.
But do we really need to take a step back? In our levels of consumption, yes probably.
In our potential for happiness and wellbeing? Absolutely not.
With the proper allocation and efficiency levels even given currently available technology everyone on this planet could have a very good life.
We can build a sustainable mondial economy and ecosystem if we only want to.

We are really at a crossroads. The bad outcome is really bad, the good outcome is really good. We just need to make the choice.

[Khethil]

Originally Posted by TickTockMan

Perhaps followed by a global policy of Zero Population Growth. I think that would be
a step in the right direction.

I think you're spot on. As a "multiplier" of many of humanity's problems, too many people is a great start.

What would be a good "next step"; though, escapes me at the moment.

Thanks

[William]

Originally Posted by sarek

I seem to get that reaction a lot. But it is not the number of people that is the real problem but the economic space each of them claims.

1.
I do not think it will be necessary. Given the proper allocation of the resources we have and the more efficient use of them we could easily support Earth's population for the forseeable future.

2.
Population growth is highest among those who get the smelly end of the stick. Economic progress and better education, coupled with the arrival of a strong middle class almost invariably accounts for the problem of runaway population growth. Responsible actions by religious authorities, affordable health care for everyone and adequate provisions for old age are necessary ingredients.

We just need to learn to share. The world cannot support us if everyone has a western style of consumption.
But do we really need to take a step back? In our levels of consumption, yes probably.
In our potential for happiness and wellbeing? Absolutely not.
With the proper allocation and efficiency levels even given currently available technology everyone on this planet could have a very good life.
We can build a sustainable mondial economy and ecosystem if we only want to.

We are really at a crossroads. The bad outcome is really bad, the good outcome is really good. We just need to make the choice.

Wow! I just did a double take to see if my little owl in the rocking chair was at the head of this post. Ha. Nicely put. If you don't mind I would like to add most of the people on the planet are crammed into "economic" centers as they are forced to, to "make the money" they need "to survive". We have more than enough land to go around. What is at the root of our problems is an economic system based on objective rarity that limits what we can do that will enable people to live where ever they want to. We have the resources, manpower and technology to do so much more than we are doing if we can eliminate the limitations our current economic system is imposing. We need to change that system and we need to change it badly and we need to do it now.

Thanks again Sarek. Great post.
William

[Pangloss]

Most scientists believe that population growth is slowing, and that it will end up peaking somewhere around 8-9 billion...then it should hold steady or slowly decline. Much of this is due to the fact that, as people are becoming more affluent around the world, they have fewer children. The "American Dream" inspires them to have one or two children and spoil them with more money, as opposed to wanting 8 kids, where the greater expense will prohibit their desire for a lavish lifestyle.

[TickTockMan]

Originally Posted by Khethil

What would be a good "next step"; though, escapes me at the moment.

How 'bout a nice pandemic?

Regards,
DarkTock

[Pangloss]

Originally Posted by TickTockMan

How 'bout a nice pandemic?

Surely you will then volunteer yourself to be the first one infected...it is going to be for the best, right?

[TickTockMan]

Originally Posted by Pangloss

Surely you will then volunteer yourself to be the first one infected...it is going to be for the best, right?

No way! I'm one of the "thinkers" that are so lauded on this forum. I need to stick around to make sure that things are handled correctly in this Brave New World posited here.