Abstract
The news media report daily on unsustainable practices and events that impede progress toward sustainable use of the planet — production of greenhouse gases, biotic impoverish- ment, depletion of fossil waters (aquifers), human population growth, production of persistent toxic substances, loss of agricultural topsoil and land, rapid loss of old growth forests, and so on. Exponen- tial economic growth both depletes natural capital more rapidly than it is regenerated and also gives an illusion of sustainable prosperity. Failure to act more expeditiously is almost certainly due to a number of factors; however, denial that a problem exists is, arguably, one of the most likely reasons. Just as an alcoholic or drug addict must first acknowledge that a problem exists before successful treatment is possible, so must those addicted to exponential growth on a finite planet.
Highlights
The news media report daily on unsustainable practices and events that impede progress toward sustainable use of the planet — production of greenhouse gases, biotic impoverishment, depletion of fossil waters, human population growth, production of persistent toxic substances, loss of agricultural topsoil and land, rapid loss of old growth forests, and so on
The growth ideology is extremely attractive politically because it offers a solution to poverty without requiring the moral disciplines of sharing and population control
I was first exposed to the dysfunctional relationship between human society and natural systems when Ruth Patrick became my mentor in 1948
Summary
I was first exposed to the dysfunctional relationship between human society and natural systems when Ruth Patrick became my mentor in 1948. The Editors (Editorial 1997) of Scientific American have described some of this debate as science vs antiscience Another form of denial may be the possibility of the deliberate production of disinformation so that science does not contradict political, religious, or corporate ideologies. A statement condemning misuse of science was signed by 62 leading scientists, including 20 Nobel laureates and 19 recipients of the National Medal of Science.. A statement condemning misuse of science was signed by 62 leading scientists, including 20 Nobel laureates and 19 recipients of the National Medal of Science.4 Time for resolving these issues is short.
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