The problem 3

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1. 

   jdhlax Posted 10:16 am
   24 Feb 2005

   Fantasy v. RealityMr. Steffen identifies a large part of what's wrong with how humans have been living, but his discussion about solutions leaves a lot to be desired.
   First and foremost, human overpopulation is the biggest problem on the planet, and China's one-child policy is an excellent solution that all countries, including the U.S. and western Europe, should be following. While the best and most desirable way to lower human population is to empower and educate women, the vast majority of whom do not want to bear more than one or two children, our dire situation also calls for negative incentives such as one-child policies.
   Second, Mr. Steffen offers nothing but a delusional fantasy solution of everyone becoming rich (without even lowering human population) and yet consuming far less. The fact is that one cannot have his or her cake and eat it, too.
   Unless Mr. Steffen has some way of reordering the laws of the universe, the only way to live sustainably is to consume less and lower our population. Anything else, including hoping for magical solutions like the one offered by Mr. Steffen will not reduce or eliminate the destruction humans are wreaking upon the Earth.
   A much better solution is to educate people to realize that 1) happiness comes from within and is not achieved by acquiring material wealth, beyond that which one needs to survive comfortably, and 2)we ("we" meaning the entire planet and in fact the entire universe) are all part of the same thing, regardless of whether it's called god, universal consciousness, or whatever, so that what one does to, say, a tree, one does to oneself. Without this belief, which is held by virtually all traditional indigenous people, no other solution can be successful in the long term.

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2. 

   birdboy Posted 10:31 am
   25 Feb 2005

   nice problem- what solution?Excellent description of the problem- I wish it could be made into a documentary and played for the general American audience- it is clearly stated, consistent with facts, and realistic in it's assessment. It is a compelling plea for attention to the world's biggest problems and it places the blame precisely where it belongs. Of course, it would need lots of gorey pictures and a sexy narrator to get the ratings.
   However, I fail to see any real solution offered- (ok, I dont' have one either), but Steffen pretends to have it. Unfortunately, 'it' is just the same old dream that technology, innovation, or just really good luck will provide us with the magic bullet- the something for (almost) nothing that makes our damaged Earth capable of sustaining over 6 billion people at a wonderfully comfortable prosperity. Yes, he's right, that would do it. I'm going home right now and get started on that. If I could just get this horse inside this matchbox ...
   Unfortunately, my understanding of the laws of physics and nature does not allow me to put much faith in science to pull us out of this one. I could more easily believe that the people of the world will suddenly become enlightened and see that all they really need for happiness is a warm spot, a full belly, and birdsong. Then I could believe that the world's people might be willing and able to change enough to let Earth recover from the rape and slaughter that man has committed in the name of prosperity.
   
   a liberal in redsville

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3. 

   Catfish John Posted 10:51 am
   25 Feb 2005

   GroanDidn't anyone read Dostoevsky? We are only getting better at defining ourselves, and ever worse at reforming.
   Excrement has always stunk, though we're ever more adept at noticing the strains and variations in it.
   Hope wins, though, and if we all stop squabbling within our own ranks and start working on real solutions, we might just slow the inevitable.  
   
   
   
   Good things,
   
   
   
   JDT

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