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The obvious solution would be to decrease the population globally to more manageable level. That is not possible because humans are hardwired to breed and multi

The obvious solution would be to decrease the population globally to more manageable level. That is not possible because humans are hardwired to breed and multiply. The next best thing we can do is try to do some big action on government levels. Again very difficult because it would mean decreasing standard of living (more expensive fuel, for example, to discourage inefficient cars, higher taxes on products dependent on fossil fuels), so you would be asking people to vote for decreasing their living standard and making their life worse off short term. Nobody is going to vote for a politician who promises to make your life worse and products you use daily more expensive thus making you poorer.

shard972 8y ago
> That is not possible because humans are hardwired to breed and multiply. Wait a second, then why is it that almost every western country is currently seeing negative population forecasts without immigration? Seems like western countries were already heading towards population decline but have been propped up in recent years with the call for more economic growth and I don't think those calls are hardwired at all.
- richardknop 8y ago
  I think western countries are not representative of the world as they represent a small minority of world's population (10% or so). I have read some predictions about world population continuing to increase to around 12 billion and stabilising at that number. Let's say that happens. Then you run into the problem of people in western countries consuming many times more resources and energy per capital as developing world. Then in order to avoid climate catastrophe it would mean you have to reduce standard of living for the minority that consumes the most fuel and energy, also standard of living of those in developing world could not catch up. Basically the argument I'm trying to make it that it won't be sustainable to have 1 or 2 cars per family like it is normal in the West, and other similar luxuries.
  - shard972 8y ago
    Your assuming that developing countries don't develop in that time which would be quite the prediction. Also I don't think 1-2 cars will be the issue, more along the lines of: - Can you own a car? Or must you bike to work? - Can you access goods outside of your state? Since no trucks/planes for long distance shipping - How much Heating/Cooling in the Winter/Summer will you be allowed? If any? That or we could look into geo-engineering maybe?

shard972 8y ago

> That is not possible because humans are hardwired to breed and multiply. Wait a second, then why is it that almost every western country is currently seeing negative population forecasts without immigration? Seems like western countries were already heading towards population decline but have been propped up in recent years with the call for more economic growth and I don't think those calls are hardwired at all.

richardknop 8y ago
I think western countries are not representative of the world as they represent a small minority of world's population (10% or so). I have read some predictions about world population continuing to increase to around 12 billion and stabilising at that number. Let's say that happens. Then you run into the problem of people in western countries consuming many times more resources and energy per capital as developing world. Then in order to avoid climate catastrophe it would mean you have to reduce standard of living for the minority that consumes the most fuel and energy, also standard of living of those in developing world could not catch up. Basically the argument I'm trying to make it that it won't be sustainable to have 1 or 2 cars per family like it is normal in the West, and other similar luxuries.
- shard972 8y ago
  Your assuming that developing countries don't develop in that time which would be quite the prediction. Also I don't think 1-2 cars will be the issue, more along the lines of: - Can you own a car? Or must you bike to work? - Can you access goods outside of your state? Since no trucks/planes for long distance shipping - How much Heating/Cooling in the Winter/Summer will you be allowed? If any? That or we could look into geo-engineering maybe?