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Geoffrey Deihl's avatar

Yes, consumption is the bigger problem compared to population. Consumption has a moral component as well, since my consumption ultimately comes at someone else's expense, even if I can't easily directly see it. Population is a touchy subject, and the maximum carrying capacity of the planet is not agreed upon, but clearly the exponential explosion of people we're seeing now is not sustainable. We're approaching the top of the J curve with our current habits. Whatever that number may be can't be achieved without reduced consumption and reasonably equitable wealth distribution.

Another subject that interests me is longevity. Longer lives mean more consumption, too. Humanity needs a rational plan, and the principles of degrowth appeal to me. Unfortunately, that is not part of the conversation and a hard sell.

You're correct, of course, the one percent are out of control. Putting the brakes on preposterous wealth would also help save our teetering, ever imperfect democracy.

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Pam's avatar

You're welcome!

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