Couple of quick thoughts...
First, we're only overpopulated if we can't provide resources. Food needn't be a problem: there're vast swathes of the Sahara, the central US, central Asia and so on that could produce more food. All we have to do is invest in GM to raise productivity.

Second, water could be more of a problem, but needn't be in principle.

Third, ditto fuel. Certainly if we can GM microbes to break down cellulose, perfect fusion, and have more efficient PV cells, there's more than enough clean energy to go around. All it needs is investment and research.

Four, in the meantime there's a huge problem with mass starvation. Pointing out that mother nature will take care of things takes n account of the reality for the actual people who're actually hungry. I don't care at all about humanity, or any other species for that matter (beyond aesthetically). But I do care about particular humans and particular other creatures. You can't just dismiss them.

Five, the population will fall if we can provide wealth and education - there's been a certain degree of success with this in certain areas of the developing world already, and you can generate a virtuosu circle.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Fri 9 Jan 2009, 10:31, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

We'll find an alternate source of fuel easy enough I reckon.
We've managed it in the past. Seems hydrogen fuel cells and the like are being weened in at the minute so I don't really foresee a problem in that respect.
( mike woz ere 7442200 & 7696970 getter, Fri 9 Jan 2009, 10:50, Reply)