November 22, 2009
UTNE READER

Ecologist Says Unchecked Population Growth Could Bring Misery

(Page 2 of 2)

Web Specials Archives
American News Service (www.americannews.com) 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

But even at a reduced world population -- achieved, ideally, by democratically determined population control practices and sound resource-management policies -- life for the average person cannot be as luxurious as it is for many Americans today, with a standard of living about half of that in the United States in the 1990s, or the standard experienced by the average European today.

RELATED CONTENT

In addition to reducing the earth's population, cropland needs to be preserved, and water and energy must be conserved, Pimentel says. 'None of these solutions, unfortunately, will be painless,' Pimentel points out. While Pimentel holds some optimism that if people recognize the problem there will be a movement toward a solution: 'But the question is, when will we recognize that this is a problem? History dictates that we humans never get at a problem until there is a crisis.'

Pimentel concedes that the findings of the report are disturbing: 'I found that it's a lot worse than I had anticipated. I have children and grandchildren and, unless something is done, the future doesn't look too bright,' he said.

Contact: David Pimentel, professor of ecology and agricultural sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 607-272-2668.

COPYRIGHT 1998 THE American News Service, 289 Fox Farm Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. For further information, please call 1-800-654-NEWS or e-mail info@americannews.com

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • Russ 8/15/2008 5:49:53 PM

    David Pimentel and I co-authored a paper in 2001 addessing the underpinnings of human popualtion growth. You can find it at http://www.PanEarth.org -- just go to the "publications" section.

    When addressing any ongoing and seemingly intractable problem or difficulty, it is vital to have an understanding of the root causes. The variables governing human population dynamics are no different than those governing the population dynamics of any other species. Please go to http://www.PanEarth.org and see the narrated slide show.

Add Your Comment

We’d like to know what you think. To comment, please use this form. E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments. First time registrants: You will receive an email confirming your email address. Once you confirm, your comment will be posted. Questions about our comments policy? Click here.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Utne Reader?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save $6!
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Want to gain a fresh perspective? Read stories that matter? Feel optimistic about the future? It's all here! Utne Reader offers provocative writing from diverse perspectives, insightful analysis of art and media, down-to-earth news and in-depth coverage of eye-opening issues that affect your life.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $6 and get 6 issues of Utne Reader for only $29.95 (USA only).

Or Bill Me Later and pay just $36 for 6 issues of Utne Reader!