Re: re: Population

dave evans (T442119@RUTADMIN.RUTGERS.EDU)
Mon, 23 Dec 96 20:40 EST

> From: RSbra123@AOL.COM
>
> >One of the problems with the environmentalist movement is that we tend to
> >think of population numbers and emotionally equate them with a problem to
> >be solved. Looking at many of the world's most densely populated areas,
> >one would be hard-put to define the conditions as detrimental -
> >particularly in older areas of Asia. The population densities which can be
> >reached without detriment to the habitat are astounding - the problem is
> >not quantity, but quality.
>
> The detriment to the habitat in the older areas of Asia occured long ago,
> while they were developing. How many plants and animals were made
> extinct creating those places? What used to be under that pavement?

Right, how many have also gone extinct here in N. America and in
Europe? We have only rescently "discovered" that virgin temperate
forests have about the same amount of biodiversity as virgin
rain forests. I had always found it odd that we look to the rain
forest as the great keeping of diversity. I suppose our (local)
temperate forests just didn't have the same appeal for grants
and study. :(

> And the problems go beyond habitat. Studies have shown that crime and
> divient behavior increase as population densities increase. And don't
> forget transmission of diseases. Do you have a better chance of catching
> the flu, or worse, riding a bicycle in the country or on a crowded subway?
> The Ebola virus, for one, is attributed development and population
> encroachmemt of the jungle. The virus has always been there.

Well, at least Ebola doesn't seem to like humans much. It's not
able to infect a decent % of our population. I hope that one doesn't
do any evolving. ;)

> I personally can't see how I'm better off now that say 20 years ago when the
> population of the world, the US, and Calif. were significantly less.

Yes, but in the meantime Big money has made a lot more money and
this fuels our politians efforts to support this population driven
economy. Short term benifits for the few and less environment for
all of us.

Dave Evans