I think some folks are still missing Jane's point about
overpopulation. While I wouldn't disagree with Andy or Bill's
responses regarding the validity of borders to overpopulation in some
contexts, both of these responses ignore that 'overpopulation' at a
sub-global scale can be alleviated by imports, etc. (e.g. Canada as
Andy describes). Globalization is not going away soon, regardless if
some would rather see populations and economies be sustainable at the
local or regional level. As long as the economy is global, I think
the most relevant scale to discuss overpopulation is at the global
level (but not the only, especially you you are living in the third
world).
I have not heard or read anything which convinces me that we can't
sustain our current growing population (globally or within the US for
example) with some wealth and food redistribution and reasonable
technological advances. For example, how do we know we are not
underestimating the contribution of innovation as EhrIich did? I am
NOT suggesting that there aren't costs of globalization (e.g. burning
fossil fuel to import food to Canada), that there aren't regions of
overpopulation currently not 'saved' by globalization (e.g. Africa),
or that technology will save us all and we should continue business as
usual. Anyone know of any good books or articles addressing the
sustainability of global populations? I am especially looking for
positions with solid backing here rather than editorials, although I
know there is lots of gray there.
Should we think about continuing this discussion in a new venue to
spare those not as interested and not dilute the job adverts, etc?
Perhaps a list-serve or other venue aimed explicitly at Ecology and
Economics would be more appropriate?
Kevin
- [ECOLOG-L] Overpopulation / Economics and Ecology Kevin Mueller
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