|
I read an interesting book once called Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. In it he talks about the the link between food production and population and the fact that every species of animal in existence always expands to the point its food supply will allow it to and then finds an equilibrium at that point. He discusses the fact that the human population only expanded in line with the discovery of new natural resources up until the agricultural revolution. At that point humanity gained significant control over its food supply and communities started producing far more food than required to sustain themselves and our exponential population expansion began. He postulates that so long as the human species as a whole continues to produce significantly more food than it requires, the population will continue to expand.
I've no idea if the idea holds water but it was interesting read none the less.
The book also discusses many other cultural/psychological/human nature etc issues. Things such as the differences between tribal societies and modern western societies.
I'm of the opinion the issue is not so much over population but rather over consumption. We could support the current population easily if we were willing to lead less consumptive lives or we could support a smaller population if we wish to continue to consume at our current rate. I don't see how we can do both. As I don't see many wanting to lead a life of less excessive consumption the only option is to limit and preferably reduce the population.
I don't think we will have any choice in the reduction of the population. We are sowing the seeds of that ourselves right now and it is a cliched truism that you reap what you sow.
Cheers,
PKFFW
|