Are there too many of us?

[cfiott]

I looked for a thread on this subject but I couldn't find any started yet. I'll start with some questions. Feel free to add to them as you see fit. (And then let's try to answer them!)
Is population growth outstripping resources?
Is population growth threatening our species?
Is population growth causing or exacerbating global warming?
Assuming we do have a serious overpopulation issue, what's the role of religion in it? Did it cause it? Can it solve it?
Is China's attempt to limit population growth a good example to follow?
What can governments do? What can the UN do? What can we do?
Would we be a healthier, happier planet if there were fewer of us?
Should poor and unhealthy people refrain from having children?

[Gonzo]

The Government isn't the problem, the people are (though I guess it extends since the Government is made up of people). That's the reason we can't have a Utopia. An ideal society would need to be started from scratch away from everything we have now, a separate "bubble" if you will. Moving past humanity seems very feasible in the near future.

[OpenedUp]

everyone who isn't contributing to the progression of the human race should be terminated immediately.

I agree, the overwhelming amount of ignorance plaguing society must be dealt with. People in which are not contributing to society must be terminated or sent to a designated area in which they can begin to work for the greater good.

Thank you, that is a very astute observation. Lately, whenever I am in the city, I have noticed how pitiful people have become. I have witnessed dozens upon dozens of people regurgitating the fabricated illusions presented by the sinful media who just exalt our Socialist leader who is taking advantage of our ignorance and getting exactly what he wants.

Exactly, the media is just a tool of the government. The implications of strong governmental undertones in the media, and the acceptance of which throughout much of our depricating society saddens me. The elimination of such perpetrators would indefinitely result in a much more open minded and accepting community that breeds creativity and intellectual progression. The evolution of ethics and logic are being hindered by such narrow-minded and ignorant citizens.

eliminating a majority of people, would therefore promote open-mindedness? What makes you any better than those people?

Are you smarter?
Are you more qualified to live?
Are you immune to the influence of the opinions and perceptions of others?


Please, I would like to know exactly what tool you are using to measure your usability within society

[Munchskreem]

Is population growth outstripping resources?

It definitely has the potential, but it's also dependent on how efficiently we can use what resources we have. That's the idea behind creating a higher carrying capacity.

Is population growth threatening our species?

I'm not sure.

Is population growth causing or exacerbating global warming?

Unless we wean ourselves off of fossil fuels, more population growth means more energy costs, so I'd have to say "yes" to both.

Assuming we do have a serious overpopulation issue, what's the role of religion in it? Did it cause it? Can it solve it?

Depends. If it's a religious belief which encourages its followers to have a lot of children then yes. However, social policies, and even religious ones, have a habit of adapting to different environmental pressures. When people don't want children, faith won't stop the vast majority.

Is China's attempt to limit population growth a good example to follow?

It worked, but I don't know if something so drastic is necessary, as most Western nations have seen a population decline.

What can governments do? What can the UN do? What can we do?

Encouraging education on contraception and rights for women seem to be two very significant ways to limit population growth.

Would we be a healthier, happier planet if there were fewer of us?

If "healthier and happier" means "more suitable for human habitation" then yes.

Should poor and unhealthy people refrain from having children?

The poor are not biologically inferior, nor are those with genetic defects, or at least certain kinds of defects. Who's to say that some people who are otherwise physically disabled can't otherwise be productive members of a society?

[SOUPerman!]

The Government isn't the problem, the people are (though I guess it extends since the Government is made up of people). That's the reason we can't have a Utopia. An ideal society would need to be started from scratch away from everything we have now, a separate "bubble" if you will. Moving past humanity seems very feasible in the near future.

That was my point in earlier posts. The reference to government was an example demonstrating the ignorance of man and his receptiveness to suggestion.