The Overpopulation Myth

http://www.ozy.com/acumen/world-population-decline/4357.article#.U3A3qzuDhl0.twitter

by ra00l • 12 years ago

2 2 12 years ago

Appreciate the heads-up.

Whenever I see such BIG and over the horizon forecasts I'm instantly dubious for at least two reasons: - Lots of Black Swans can circle and cross reality in short amounts of time. - Global averages don't count for much if localized, extreme concentrations exists that swing towards depleting and /or insufficient resources.

The myth is not the myth of the pop. explosion, it's the myth of yet more BIG forecasts!

jqm• 12 years ago

OK, now raise the global standard of living to that of the US and Western Europe. Feel free to reduce the earths population by 1/4 since a coming decline (in half a century or so) is claimed.

Now, take most of the water out of the aquifers and deplete most of the easily accessible minerals and oil. Drop a bunch of them in the ocean if you want. Kill off a large number of fish.

See the problem? Even at current population levels, with rising living standards and diminishing resources it is unsustainable.

The Overpopulation Myth

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