From: E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Date: Mon Sep 09 1996 - 17:53:05 MDT
On 09/09/96, Tim Robbins wrote:
>Shaun, 6.5 billion people is about eight years away. Not much planetary
>colonization can do about that. And I doubt planetary emigration will ever
>be a solution, just an escape for some.
I apologize if my response was a little misleading. *Physically*
another billion (indeed another three) would be comfortable, but when you
take into consideration the strong belief systems of the predominant portion
of that billion AND the potential for more children, that is uncomfortable
to me. Look at the current skirmishing in the middle-East!
The fact that North America will reach the ZPG level within a
relatively short time is slightly encouraging...but not as encouraging than
if we had lots more room to roam. As for planet emigration being a
solution, I think it would be. Mainly because of the potential it creates;
think: if we can make it to one planet, what prevents us from making it to
another? And given the knowledge that scientific progress is constantly
being made (in some way or another), I'm optimistic about inhabiting planets
before Earth reaches the *physically* uncomfortable level.
>Bangladesh has to worry about population growth, not Belgium.
Au contraire, mon bien amis. The world's resources are limited.
More people *anywhere* means quicker diminishing of oxygen, wood, water,
etc. Everyone's affected. Best to extrope as soon as possible!
Ingredi Externus!
E. Shaun Russell
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"All the world's a stage
And all the men and women are merely players
They have their exits..."
-William Shakespeare
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