From: Reed Konsler (konslerr@mail.weston.org)
Date: Mon 09 Dec 2002 - 13:56:22 GMT
>Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2002 14:44:57 -0600
>From: joedees@bellsouth.net
>Subject: RE: Why Europe is so Contrary
>
>Yep, pollution (including ozone layer depletion and global warming),
>natural resource depletion (including deforestation) and species
>diversity loss all have as their common denominator human
>overpopulation. Until this root cause is responsibly addressed, we will
>be stuck with its disastrous effects.
It appears true that pollution, depletion and environmental degradation are
caused by human activity. But, the environmental impact of humanity is a
function of several factors, only one of which is actual population.
I don't think that linking environmentalism with population control is an
effective construct to spread the environmentalism meme. Human beings, like
any organism, are genetically programmed to procreate. It is possible to
hijack this programming to some alternate end but I think confronting it
head on is a losing proposition.
As an alternative, we might consider linking environmentalism to quality of
life and the future success of our heirs. We could promote replicators that
programs people to believe that reduced consumption will result in more
successful and fulfilling procreation ("spending more time with the kids is
more important than dressing all of us in designer clothes").
Best,
Reed
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