Christine,
I think the exchange between Freddy and John was good-natured, and I chose that post because I happen to agree with John, and think that what he said, "all that is good is that which advances life" is very fundamental.
Population growth is a product of our will to survive and our success at survival. I don't think that limiting population growth is the correct answer to our environmental problems. There is nothing wrong with having as many children as we like, being more successful at raising them to adulthood, and living longer lives. Just as A is A, life is self-justified.
Given that we will continue to prosper and grow as a species, and that the earth's resources are limited, we need to prepare to leave this planet. I think this is the major, perhaps fatal error of this generation, that we do not recognize the urgency of the situation. If we wait too long, we will lose the opportunity; the burden of social and environmental problems will become too great, and we will no longer be able to leave.
At the same time, I have a deep concern about the environment and I think environmental problems are generally understated. To be shortsighted and greedy in the use of our world is a twin evil to our lack of resolve to expand beyond it. My kids are afraid for their future, and I'm afraid that we are no better than our ancestors, as each generation lives for itself, and leaves the next generation the leftovers.
Beyond wise use of our resources, protection of the environment is necessary for purely aesthetic reasons. Our children should have the same opportunity as we do to wonder at, and learn from, the primal creation.
Skipper |
