2008 Woodie Awards
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Human overpopulation threatens Earth's future
Guest commentary
by Guest Commentary |
PUBLISHED ON 2/9/07 IN Commentary
Not everyone agrees that an environmental problem exists, or if it does, on whether or how to address it. Status-quo economists see population and consumption growth as absolutely essential to continued prosperity. Many Christian fundamentalists and warriors of the religious right believe that environmental destruction on Planet Earth is not an issue since the prophesied apocalypse is near. The so-called liberal democratic capitalists continue to lobby for the removal of all controls and regulations so that free enterprise and humanity can thrive. In their view ideological environmentalists are simple-minded, unscientific and unrealistic alarmists who promote eco-myths and stifle human progress and prosperity. With glee they point to the doom and gloom predictions by environmentalists that have not yet materialized.
With endless statistics, with proud reference to the success of the great green revolution', and with specifics of some environmental cleanups they make the case that, in fact, it is in our own best interest to continue the cycle of plunder planet earth - pursue growth at all cost, accumulate wealth, apply that wealth and human ingenuity to solve those environmental problems for which scientific proof is indisputable.
Difficult choices, especially by you, the younger generation, have to be made. What sacrifices and permanent lifestyle changes will you make to give nature a fighting chance for recovery? What action will you take, starting today, to nurse Planet Earth back to health and sustainability?
Klaus Keunecke is a resident of Ontario, Canada
With endless statistics, with proud reference to the success of the great green revolution', and with specifics of some environmental cleanups they make the case that, in fact, it is in our own best interest to continue the cycle of plunder planet earth - pursue growth at all cost, accumulate wealth, apply that wealth and human ingenuity to solve those environmental problems for which scientific proof is indisputable.
Difficult choices, especially by you, the younger generation, have to be made. What sacrifices and permanent lifestyle changes will you make to give nature a fighting chance for recovery? What action will you take, starting today, to nurse Planet Earth back to health and sustainability?
Klaus Keunecke is a resident of Ontario, Canada
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Rod Packer
posted 2/09/07 @ 7:26 AM PST
Already prevalent effects of human overpopulation are observable in rat overcrowding experiments: individual rats engaged in vicious infighting and a relentless rise in the ratio of non-reproducing. (Continued…)
Linda
posted 2/10/07 @ 6:26 AM PST
Thank you for this informative and timeley piece. If only somewhere on the planet strong, intelligent, competent and honest leaders would speak out on this issue. (Continued…)
LiveVegan
posted 9/23/07 @ 1:24 AM PST
Thanks for this piece. Its appreciated. Humans are so anthropocentric, we assume this planet and all sentient beings are here for our use and exploitation. (Continued…)
Marvin McConoughey
posted 9/24/07 @ 1:40 PM PST
Klaus Keunecke is right on target in saying that overpopulation is a major problem. Overpopulation is a cancer that eats away at the collective future of mankind. (Continued…)
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