Human population: Is it a problem? If so, what are the solutions?

Zod

I loved this quote:

It amazes me how everyone seems to agree that the planet already has too many people whose demands for even the basics of existence like food, water and shelter are placing intolerable demands on the ecosystem — yet as soon as the population of a country begins to decline, its government reacts with near panic,” Dreyer said.

HughFreakingDillon

yes, I mistyped females. I had males on the brain when typing, with the "everyone wants/needs a boy" social policy. 

static111

Even entertaining the idea that there are too many people opens some dark door ways to really scary solutions.  Let's not focus on population. Lets focus on overconsumption, forced consumption planned obsolescence and waste.  Work on getting on a path where humans live with the planet instead of trying foolishly to "master" it.

brianlux

static111 said:

Even entertaining the idea that there are too many people opens some dark door ways to really scary solutions.  Let's not focus on population. Lets focus on overconsumption, forced consumption planned obsolescence and waste.  Work on getting on a path where humans live with the planet instead of trying foolishly to "master" it.

Good points.  This is why I so love the concept of durability.  Unfortunately, most first world economies are based on that which is disposable, not that which is durable.  Is it possible for an economy based on capitalism to transition to the durable?  I really don't know.

benjs

static111 said:

Even entertaining the idea that there are too many people opens some dark door ways to really scary solutions.  Let's not focus on population. Lets focus on overconsumption, forced consumption planned obsolescence and waste.  Work on getting on a path where humans live with the planet instead of trying foolishly to "master" it.

I think it'd be easier to convince people not to have as many kids so they can live in excess, versus stopping the life of excess so they can continue to procreate. No one is suggesting a choice though, so no change happens (reduction of lives of excess, or of procreation). As a result - our trajectory is still towards the end.