What matters most to stop the population bomb?

Is our biggest environmental problem population growth? Some say yes.

Here is a link to the NY Times write up on Population Day and a scientific/mathematical look at this issue.

Some say that it matters, others say it doesn't matter. One reason it doesn't matter is that the more people there are, the greater the possibility of having another Einstein who will help find a way out to the mess. Static's show that when people's life expectancy and quality of life improves, they have smaller families. Helping the poorest of the poor will actually help our planet because when their quality of life improves and they are educated, they begin to resemble more affluent countries which decreases and stabilizes the population. When people live longer and are more affluent, they have smaller families. An aging population is actually good for the planet.

Jeffrey Sachs - Love him or hate him - part 2

I posted in May about Jeffrey Sachs’ new book, "Common Wealth." Sachs is quite methodical and comprehensive in his explanation and presentation of how to solve the world’s slow growing environmental crisis. It has been very thought provoking.

In the beginning, it sounded like every other environmental book that I have read, but in greater detail along with statistics that make one shutter. At first, I was disappointed and thought, "This is Al Gore part 2." But after he reiterated all the problems that everyone else has, he begins to offer solid solution after solution that is new, unique and doeable. For me that is the key. We've talked enough, it's time for action! He calls for a "Demographic Transition" in dealing with climate issues, biodiversity issues, water issues, natural resources issues, the population explosion, etc. I had never heard of this before nor had I really considered his arguments. But each idea and argument is thoughtfully laid out and makes a very strong case for his each of proposals. The only question that I have after reading his book is whether or not mankind will be able to make the adjustments in our thinking, in time to deal with this slow moving train wreck he so skillfully describes at great length.

It really is an excellent book. I plan to read it again. There was so much information on a variety of topics. I find myself referring to it over and over again. I really get the poverty question now after reading this book. His book made me rethink my thoughts about Sachs and what he stands for too.

John McCain and Sarah Palin and the World Population Clock

Our current population in the US is 301,139,947. The US population is expected to grow to over 400,000,00 by 2030. John McCain and Sarah Palin live in their own world and are out of touch with reality. If every woman has five kids we will grow much larger than 400 million. Motherhood is a great thing but it's important to understand that our Earth has limitations.

The world population as of July 2008, was estimated to be just over 6.692 billion. By 2050 we will be looking at over 9 billion people living on the planet. That is 3 billion more people than there are living on this planet today. How will all of those people be fed and clothed and given shelter without totally wiping out the natural world and most of the species living on this planet?

These two people are living on their own reality. They are not realistic in their expectations about the capacity of our planet to support our limitless consumption and growth. Their vision is one that lived in the past, when the world was not facing the prospects of 9 billion people. He is going to cut funds to the United Nation? Really? That will only make the world hate us even more. It is estimated that over 2 billion people currently live on less than $1.00 day. McCain is going to pull out the funds that help feed these people. And he thinks that will make use safe and prosperous? Really? HELLO... is anyone home?