This is an editorial comment from a Flagstaff resident back in 2008 in the Arizona Daily Sun. I found it while doing some research at the office and felt it was thought provoking and wanted to share it with the class.
Editorial Board: Overpopulation beginning to threaten way of life
Topics of discussion this week at the advisory board meeting were: new forest fees; Wing Mountain snowplay area becoming crowded, with mountains of trash left behind, and adequate parking an issue; smog obliterating the pristine vistas of our Grand Canyon; Phoenix seeing a population growth of one million people since the last census. Added to the mix came my own sad realization of a current Flagstaff reality, gridlock traffic, which didn't used to exist, period.
What's behind all this? Ask the authorities who have done the studies — it's overpopulation. If we are not careful, humankind will become like so many rats in a maze. You think oil is a hot-button issue now? It won't be long until we will have water wars. After all, you can't drink oil. (And by the way, are you aware that when 19th century explorer, John Wesley Powell, first encountered the now- Phoenix desert, and was asked his opinion about its suitability for settlement, he answered, "No — there's not enough water."?)
I'm not completely up on what the candidates say about this issue, or if they even address it. I'm asking each individual reading this to start talking about it with others, and begin coming up with solutions. We are an amazing nation of doers and innovators, this is America!
And, yes, I remember that the Lord our God said, "Go forth and multiply." He said that when the Earth was EMPTY.
Heidi Nichols is a 32-year Flagstaff resident and a parent- educator.
Interesting piece that this concerned citizen wrote. I completely understand his sentiment and perspective on population growth. However, couldn't you attribute some of this to traditional movement patterns of human beings. Also, we are living longer and have a better quality of life, including healthcare. These are a host of things that are affecting overpopulation.
ReplyDeleteI believe the key thing here is the amount of conservation efforts we must take to prevent problems, like the one in the famous film "Road Warrior," of fuel and water wars. There are solutions including sustainable growth and decrease in excess lifestyles. Cohen talks about some of this in this weeks readings. Merely we see the problem as inward instead of outward. Our personal lifestyle choices have an exponential impact on the globe. We must begin with the individual and then gradually move towards communities, regions, and states in order to help solve these types of problems.
Good post!
The source is very interesing to me.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Hardin’s argument, the overpopulation can bring “the Tragedy of Commons”. Above mentioned new forest fee seems to be introduced in order to obstruct for the residents’ life to be threatened. If so, to establish the forest fee plan follow the Hardin’s argument and solution for preventing “the Tragedy of Commons”? This situation may be explained in the way that government intervention is good solution for the commons. However, I think that we can consider another option regardless of realization, for example, voluntary cooperation in community without government intervention. Which is desirable to all us?
This is very interesting but I think economics will help with overpopulation of certain areas. If we come to be short of water here in the valley, the price of water will continue to rise and eventually the population level will level off as the price of water drives people to other areas. This seems like a simple solution.
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