Human Overpopulation Pushing Wildlife To Extinction

[UngulateNerd92]

This is definitely the elephant in the room that we need to have an honest conversation/dialogue about... I firmly believe that here on earth we have an issue with overpopulation that needs to be nipped in the bud somehow...

"Our understanding of the decline that human overpopulation is causing in animal species across our planet is nothing new. On the land, in the air and beneath the water, species large and small have long been struggling to adapt and survive as a growing human population continues to destroy animal habitats and ecosystems."

Overpopulation Pushing Wildlife To Extinction | The Message by Yan Vana

 

[Jana]

Human overpopulation has been seriusly discussed for a few centuries. Malthus greets you.

However, nowadays it is caused just by a subset of regions.

My country crossed 10 mio in year 1910 and today we are at 10,7 mio. Our 7% growth within more than a century won´t kill our planet´s wildlife anytime soon.

 

[Ned]

For governments a declining population is a problem because it leads to a shrinking economy and less tax paying young people to pay of a disproportionate number of older people. There aren't many governments that are brave enough to over-see an economic reduction along with a tax increase for the young.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Here is another relevant article. I am glad to see the Center for Biological Diversity discussing this issue.

People Think the World’s Population Is Growing Too Fast – So Why Can’t We Talk About It

It's time to talk about something that most of us have been reluctant to face: what to do about the intensifying connection between population gain and environmental loss. A growing body of research shows continued human population growth equates to accelerating species extinction.

A new study finds increasing encroachment of humans into tropical forests and other pristine habitats threatens to destroy about a quarter of the planet's remaining wildlife habitat in this century, pushing many more species to the brink. Losing these irreplaceable ecosystems would be devastating. And as our numbers continue to soar, humans are rapidly losing the biodiversity we need for everything from regulating pests to carbon sequestration.

People Think the World’s Population Is Growing Too Fast – So Why Can’t We Talk About It

 

[UngulateNerd92]

For governments a declining population is a problem because it leads to a shrinking economy and less tax paying young people to pay of a disproportionate number of older people. There aren't many governments that are brave enough to over-see an economic reduction along with a tax increase for the young.

I totally understand that and respect, however one thing that everyone everywhere needs to come to terms with is that infinite economic growth is not even physically possible, especially on a finite planet like earth. I know I have have said this on here before, but if you were stuck on a desert island in the middle of the ocean, would you use as many resources as much and as fast as possible? You probably wouldn't. Earth is essentially an island in the ocean that is our solar system. As I mentioned in another thread, American biologist, naturalist, and writer E.O Wilson said that we need to preserve at least half to two thirds (I prefer the latter) if not more of the earth's terrestrial surface in its natural wilderness form if we want to make effective progress with saving the planet. I totally wholeheartedly agree with that.