No one much talks about the earth’s human population having doubled since 1975…4 billion to nearly 8 billion. Population drives everything… consumption of goods, manufacturing, mining, oil extraction, housing, energy use, deforestation, agriculture, loss of habitat and on and on. The population is predicted to grow another 4 billion by 2050. No matter how environmentally conscious you may be, every human has a carbon footprint from the moment they are born until they die. Even after death the decomposition of your body will be adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Zero population growth is likely not attainable, let alone would it be lowered to more sustainable levels barring some type of worldwide pandemic. There are many things humans can do to possibly slow the effects of climate change, but unless we can find a way to control population growth and the increasing consumption of resources, which it drives, the tenure of our species on planet Earth is perilous at best.
Despite our most earnest efforts, the evolutionary record of humankind’s existence on planet Earth will ultimately be but a minor, likely uncomplimentary, footnote. But, rest assured, the universe will thoroughly recycle us.
Bob LaMettry
Grand Marais
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