Sunday, September 18, 2016

Population and Dr. Borlaug

Consider the warnings of Norman Borlaug:
"The green revolution has won a temporary success in man's war against hunger and deprivation; it has given man a breathing space. If fully implemented, the revolution can provide sufficient food for sustenance during the next three decades. But the frightening power of human reproduction must also be curbed; otherwise the success of the green revolution will be ephemeral only. Most people still fail to comprehend the magnitude and menace of the "Population Monster"...Since man is potentially a rational being, however, I am confident that within the next two decades he will recognize the self-destructive course he steers along the road of irresponsible population growth..."
Technology and progress can buy some time, but it can't solve the coming crisis. There's just too damn many people. Until we solve that problem, all other problems are inconsequential.
By the way, the quote is from his Nobel Peace Prize speech in 1970. I think we're seeing the affects today, the ones he warned about 46 years ago. We haven't begun to address the problem, and the situation will accelerate in seriousness.

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