[Oe List ...] Africa immigration to Europe

[Randy Williams via OE]

Marilyn,
Not entirely on faith. There is so much going on in the world regarding simplicity, green living, environmental stewardship, alternative energy generation, etc. For example, who would have known that Texas is the largest generator of wind energy in the U.S. Paul Hawken's book a while back, Blessed Unrest, in which he called forth "the largest movement in the world," was for me the bellwether. More recently Jeremy Rifkin's book The Third Industrial Revolution, Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything and of course, Pope Francis's encyclical Care for Our Common Home. We in the U.S. tend to be a little more skeptical because most of the deniers are here. But I believe President Obama's recent climate plan will have more impact than many expect, in spite of Congress, and the upcoming summit in Paris should solidify China and Brazil making more significant commitments--all these are indicative that change is possible. I'm sure others on this list have their stories as well. So I am hopeful, but the big question is, will it be too little too late. 
Randy

Sent from my iPad


> On Aug 9, 2015, at 5:06 PM, Marilyn Crocker <marilyncrocker at juno.com> wrote:
> 
> Doris and Randy,
>  
> I appreciate these recent posts.  I remember the ZPG commitment Joe and I made in 1967 (and quickly met after twins) – and this morning heard a piece on NPR about forward thinking for Boston’s Back Bay (all reclaimed swamp land and the most pricey real estate in bean town) that includes considering canals (like Amsterdam and Naples) but with the added challenge of two high tides per 24 hours.
>  
> Just wondering, Randy.  Could you elaborate on your final comment, “..but change is possible.”  Or is that a faith statement?
>  
> Marilyn
>  
> From: OE [mailto:oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Randy Williams via OE
> Sent: Sunday, August 09, 2015 5:19 PM
> To: Doris Hahn
> Cc: OE List
> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Africa immigration to Europe
>  
> Doris,
> The numbers I've seen project continued population growth through the year 2050 by which time the Earth will likely have surpassed its carrying capacity of 9 billion by as much as a half billion. Accompanying that is continued economic and business growth, all at rates that are unsustainable. Migration is somewhat different but related, caused by rising sea levels and food and water shortages, all of which are, of course, related to global warming. We are currently using resources at 150% of Earth's capacity, and that is expected to increase to 300% by centuries end--if current population growth rates continue, primarily in the developing nations, and if economic and business growth rates continue and consumption patterns and lifestyle habits in the developed nations go unchanged. Not a rosy picture, but change is possible.
> Randy
> 
> Sent from my iPad
>  
> 
> On Aug 9, 2015, at 3:28 PM, Doris Hahn via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
> 
> Some time in the spring or early summer, we were having a conversation about perils or worries about the future. I suggested that population explosion needs to be addressed once again. Jack sent me a link to a Ted's Talk that suggested population will likely remain somewhat level. I was somewhat relieved, but in fact, the talk was somewhat abstract and based on numbers and probabilities.
> 
> Here is a link to a NYTimes article that is much more grounded and brings me back to the need for an emphasis on population control.
> 
> Doris Hahn
>  
> I think it is worth our time to read:
> 
> http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/opinion/sunday/ross-douthat-africas-scramble-for-europe.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share
> 
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