August 5, 2012
7 billion and counting
The L.A. Times sent a wake-up call to anyone who will listen to rational arguments today on the question of population. Just a few stats to get you started.
There are now 7 billion of us on the planet; that number will rise to 9.3 billion by 2050--that is if birthrates decline from 2.5 children per woman to 2.2 children. If that decline does not occur, the population will be at least 11 billion. We are increasing the world's population by 70 million per year. Think about that.
And guess what. The living conditions are not improving. Today, one in eight people live in a slum. By 2050 it will be one in three! To feed this many people the agricultural sector must double its crop production. All this while we face historic drought, incredible floods and sky-rocketing heat. It spells crisis or disaster.
Imagine Wisconsin doubling in population over the next 50 years. Are we ready? Of course not. Will wars start over water and food? I think it is a safe bet. What are we doing to prepare for a food or water shortage? Discussing nonsense for the most part.
Time to wake up!
Fighting Bob Fest will have Bill McKibben, who is the leading voice in the country on climate. What a great time for him to appear at Fighting Bob Fest. And, speaking of war, Phil Donahue and Norman Solomon will deal with war and peace. I can't wait.
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I thought abstinence only is the Republican't policy now. You mean, that's going to be a failed policy, too?
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 5, 2012
I wonder about the year 2050, too. How many more species will have been hunted or fished or consumed into extinction? Will there be good air to breath and clean water to drink? Will diseases be worse and unmanageable? Will there be enough work for everyone and will we still be wondering about family supporting wages? Will hot button election issues still be guns, gods, gays, abortions? Will there be more guns and will we have more rights to use them? Will there be wild places left where one can find quiet and rest? Will corporate greed find ways to control and charge for wind and solar energies?
Most perplexing of all, will we have become a better people?
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | August 5, 2012
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