The True Environmental Disaster – The Silence on Our Growing Overpopulation

• Michael G. Hanauer
• May 1, 2020
• Forum Papers
• Forum Paper
• 2 Comments

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THE TRUE ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER–THE SILENCE ON OUR GROWING OVERPOPULATION – WHERE WE ARE, HOW WE GOT HERE, CAN WE RECOVER AND SAVE OUR NATION AND OUR PLANET?
An NPG Forum Paper
by Michael G. Hanauer
May 2020

THE PROBLEM OF SCIENTIFIC OVERLOOK AND DENIAL

Overpopulation is a major problem in virtually every nation and region of the world, in both (over)developed and in developing areas. There is nary an environmental problem that is not impacted by this overarching issue. Population is the universal problem multiplier. Yet, most individuals, environmental organizations, government, as well as the media, are ignoring the big issue of authentic sustainability and its biggest component, overpopulation. The issue of population is less mentioned in the press and by most environmental organizations and activists today than ever before – at least in my lifetime. We are now overpopulated, and it keeps getting worse – yet even mention of the problem has almost disappeared, and even outright denial is becoming common. For this reason, today’s environmental action norm amounts to little more than thoughts and prayers.

As a result, at this point it’s pretty much common knowledge for many of us: We are losing the climate change and virtually all the other (too often ignored) environmental battles. If this isn’t corrected, our future is lost. Period. We who understand must find a way to spread the word and get it oft propagated and repeated. It may be Earth’s only chance. So many clearly now believe our present trajectory needs major adjustment. Silence is not golden.
I have come to believe that some years from now, the world will look back to the climate change and environmental movement and ask: “What were they thinking in excluding authentic sustainability, and its major component, overpopulation, in their programs?” The world then is likely to be much worse off as growth continued, no matter what carbon levels are or what geoengineering has accomplished (and further destroyed). I believe that the climate change and environmental movements may well be seen as having done more harm than good.

As of this writing, the coronavirus pandemic is ravaging wide swaths of the world. Over 100,000 lives have been lost so far, but even the worst-case scenario will not remove the environmental threat posed by growing overpopulation. World population, currently at 7.6 billion, was projected (before the pandemic) to reach 10 to 11 billion by the end of this century.1 US population, now at 329 million and projected to reach 404 million by 2060, is of course our own dangerous scenario.2 Corona or no-corona, global population is already too large to enable environmental sustainability or quality human health conditions.
While our overpopulation will not be reduced quickly, we can stop the population growth relatively quickly. That is most significant. And, looking at the longer term must also be included. If we had given overpopulation its huge due starting 40 years ago, we would not be in this mess today. It is not the only problem, but it is a problem that can’t be ignored.

Growing overpopulation is hindering ever reining in greenhouse gas emissions. Our avoidance of talking about our culture of eternal economic and population growth is already showing itself as a disaster. What is going on, led by major environmental organizations and generally reinforced by the media and all levels of government, is a true disaster for our communities, our nation, and our planet.

We, the overpopulation aware, can remedy this problem. It won’t be quick, but I believe it will happen with organization, leadership, a plan, and endurance.

THE TWO OVERARCHING ISSUES SO OFTEN OVERLOOKED

I believe that if our nation, and likely most nations, is to ever come together in terms of people and the planet, it will be by acknowledging and acting on TWO OVERARCHING ISSUES:

1. Special Interests are controlling our government and the media, which makes it impossible to pass any meaningful legislation. Good government must be able to create strategy for where our society should be heading and plans to get there for the common good of the people, future people, and the planet…

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2 Comments to “The True Environmental Disaster – The Silence on Our Growing Overpopulation”

• Mike Hanauer

  May 11, 2020

  The MOST invasive species is us — humans.

  We continually multiply our numbers and wipe out all other species while continually expanding our habitat, environmental and carbon footprints, and need for energy while denying our overpopulation and the devastating impact of our culture of growth.

  Will we wake up to save natural creation, and perhaps even ourselves? Will we admit the truth – that we humans are the ultimate parasite? Or will we go on with denial and excuses?

  We are at the fork in the road. There can be only one choice. Excuses to speed on and ignore the universal problem multiplier are not the answer.

• Daniel Cring

  May 8, 2020

  The social consequences of population pressures and crowding stress have not been recognized. Increasing xenophobia, “tribalism”, secession movements, “populism”, tyranny, and of course violence can all be explained as consequences of global human overpopulation.