The modellers have been busy again and have decided, contra earlier predictions that were relaxed in assuming a levelling off, that the world population of humans is likely to hit 11bn by the end of this century (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/18/world-population-new-study-11bn-2100). Things can (and do) change but I have felt for some time that numbers of humans on the planet are getting towards the unsustainable end of things. The human population is very demanding in terms of its requirements for water, food, power, space, health care, entertainment etc. Unsurprisingly, most people aspire to the best possible living conditions for themselves, their family and their friends (it's a natural response) but it is difficult to see how other organisms (on which the 'health' or intrinsic beauty of the planet may depend) will fare. What one can do about this gathering problem (other than facilitate contraception) is uncertain but it appears that over-population is back on the agenda.
No comments:
Post a Comment