Environment / wider world issues

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Environment / wider world issues

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September 23, 2008 at 12:07 pm

#910048
1

process

@process

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i bike wherever i can, only really drive to parties now and if im leaving the city to go and see mates, i would use trains, but even with the price of fuel going up they are still more expensive than my car especially if theres a few of you in the car sharing the cost. Also i never really know what im doing weeks in advance to get the super cheap tickets. I recycle stuff at home, but could definatly do more. :hopeless:
September 23, 2008 at 7:26 pm

#910055
1

rumpus rhythm

@rumpus-rhythm

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binge;236844 wrote:

It all comes down to the legacy that has been left to us by the Capitalist model of society. We have been conditioned for centuries to consume more and more and more. The whole point of Capitalism is continued economic growth- this cannot happen in a system of finite resources (i.e. a planet!). What we are seeing now is simply the final consequences of this.

The big challenge now is to see if we can change. This involves a complete change of society, and what we are doing now is barely the tip of what is needed. This ‘normal society’ getting on the bandwagon is not only fantastic, it is essential to clue people up to what is going on. It is also very anti capitalist- the whole point is to reduce consumption, which those in power may not like.

Although capitalism has a lot to answer for I have become aware of some sectors recognising the environmental cause eg, big wigs in the IT sector in Silicon Valley have invested huge sums into technological advancement to counter environmental damage. This is not just sentiment but a hard nosed business approach as clean technology is seen as a boom industry and where successful will reap major rewards for those who invest. However I would not have a problem with this if it resulted in improved environmental conditions.

An environmental problem which is bothersome OTOH is continuing population growth and the linked increase in resource required to maintain living standards. The Chinese have shown how difficult this is to contain even with the degree of control they wield over their people. Can’t quite remember the predictions but an extra billion or so people per decade is pretty scary… where are they all going to go? Also the need to survive on a day by day basis which happens with scarce resources does not help longer term planning required for an environmentally friendly existence
September 23, 2008 at 10:14 pm

#910047
1

Big Bang

@big-bang

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Brock the badger;237082 wrote:

An environmental problem which is bothersome OTOH is continuing population growth and the linked increase in resource required to maintain living standards. The Chinese have shown how difficult this is to contain even with the degree of control they wield over their people. Can’t quite remember the predictions but an extra billion or so people per decade is pretty scary… where are they all going to go?

One of the most effective population controls is economic development, much of the high population growth rates are in the developing world. Parts of western Europe (like some bits of italy) and japan i think have a shrinking population, and its ageing too, so should continue to reduce over time.
September 23, 2008 at 10:40 pm

#910045
1

binge

@binge

Member
Yes- but the general concept of environmentalism is reduce resource use- enabling the resources to be spread around a bit more. That and increased education would help things.

(It is going to be a problem though)
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