The threat of Overpopulation. How can we adress it rationally? Modern philosophers, please advise!
Overpopulation.(The main threat for the planet?)
Raising in a rather rural part of Germany, the threat of overpopulation has never been pressing on my mind. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose. But such is not the case for many people in the world. Although some scientists claim that the rate of population growth has been declining since the 1980's, the human population as a whole is still on the rise and is the cause of many recent economic and environmental collapses.
Tears of the World
Deforestation, global warming,the destructive search for fossil fuels, and pollution can all be traced back to the millions of human beings who make wasteful lifestyle choices. While I think that the subject of waste prevention should be saved for another day, less people equates to less wasted packaging, energy and especially food.
But here’s the kicker.
The main issue I want to discuss revolving around overpopulation is the cramped, unproductive lives it forces those affected by it to live. Overpopulation also breeds poverty, with the cost of living space eventually becoming inpregnable as the population grows.
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My question is “how can we address this issue?”
I haven't made the decision if I should bring a child into this world or not. I think adopting a child who wouldn’t have otherwise had a home is a very good option,too. In the times whe live there are so many children in urgent need of help. Because of this I'm donating money to Plan International every 6 months.
While keeping this in mind, I am still on the fence about how overpopulation should be addressed. I don’t want a restrictive law that forbids a women to have more than a specific number of children (I mean come on, how are you going to enforce that law? Imprison or fine a woman who just “illegally” gave birth? Nope, that’s messed up!)
But then again, is there another option? I mean, we can’t just decide to start killing people off either!
Please advise and feel free to start a discussion!
Kind regards,
Simon
The problem is really more of poverty than of overpopulation. Humanity is incredibly creative and intelligent in our ability to solve problems. If people everywhere were only liberated from statism, with its destructive wars, ineffective bureaucracy, and outright repressive polices, we would see enormous reductions in poverty.
I like your post.
If we don't do anything, and birth control "a la chinese" could be a solution, our planet will do something to stop us.
Earth is an ecosystem, and ecosystems react to threats.
The Human race has become a virus, trying to kill its host.
As a matter of fact, our planet Mrs Earth will react: new viruses like aids, swine-flu, or even zika are Her answer.
In any case, the virus never wins: either it gets killed by the host, or kills the host and dies.
...or maybe we need to find another host... Planet Mars ?
I am sure there are plenty of ways to overcome overpopulation...if it existed. I am not so sure that it does exist. Have these folks been in the MidWest for cripes sakes?!
I am originally from Idaho, and there is land people have not even touched. And Texas? Dont even get me started with Texas!
But in reality we need to think about getting people out of bad places where overcrowding does happen.
Thanks for the informative post! :)
Respect, very good blog.
With automation the families will need less children to work on the field.
By distributing the wealth from the 1% to the 99% the process will be accellerated.