Many literatures link the consequences of overpopulation to increased environmental pollution, habitat loss, mass extinction of species, intensive farming practices, the over consumption of resources such as fresh water, arable land and fossil fuels. Some authors have also attributed overpopulation to aggravating the forces behind global warming. Can our technological advancements close the gap between our increased resource demand vs supply? Or is the gap too wide?
Unlikely, technology by itself is not enough. It costs resources and interest to be aware of and implement technology. Not everyone is on the same page, different cultures, beliefs, politics, etc. A saying comes to mind, "You can't have your cake and eat it too". There will continue to be impacts and tradeoffs. Will there be increased planning and design, application and increasing technology, or poorly regulated and limited mitigation to expansion and development. In our efforts to increase productivity, will the GMOs and chemicals, road and urban expansion, etc. create new health and resource issues that take away from our efforts. Will we be able to work together?
Thank you William for your insightful response. Should we then try to slow the rate of population growth so that technological solutions (e.g. newer alternative energy sources, better and innovative farming solutions etc..... and the time required for us to embrace and adopt these solutions) can catch up?
I don’t know the best avenue, but sure considerations and solutions will need working together and compromise. Government regulation undesirable, prefer education, working together if possible. Not everyone would accept the same approach. Need a think tank on problem, perhaps there are some already.
Technology will be able to alleviate overpopulation to a certain extent. But natural resources being limited, at a certain stage you will be forced to limit the growth of population before we face a catastrophe!!!
https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2017/12/04/more-people-more-technology-more-jobs-how-to-build-inclusive-growth
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