X-Message-Number: 5775
From:  (Thomas Donaldson)
Subject: Re: CryoNet #5475 - #5482
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 1996 11:12:15 -0800 (PST)

Hi!

A VERY LATE COMMENT ON P.MEREL'S POSTING RE ECOLOGICAL EXHAUSTION OF THE 
EARTH:

I note that the people who make these predictions specifically exclude not
just technology but other factors too, such as warfare. To do that basically
turns their predictions into meaninglessness. 

Yes, our technology will improve, thus increasing both our ability to use
matter and our ability to use it efficiently. Someday basic foods will be 
constructed in factories, for instance. That day may even be nearer than we
think; and thus the amount of land will become unimportant. (I'm not talking
about what would be nice but what might happen -- and if there is land, I'm
sure that there will still be farms, to produce very high-priced food for
those who can afford it).

Second, although it isn't a pleasant thought, what generally happens when
such problems arise is that the poorest people, and those least prepared, 
get shoved off the boat. Others will continue their lives. This will, of 
course, be a very ugly and upsetting process, but despite all that I would
prefer to be the among those who survive. As for such things as weaponry,
the poor almost by definition aren't in a position to get the latest 
weapons --- and guerilla war only succeeds by wearing away its opponents.
(I note that if it is a matter of their own survival those opponents are
going to be very hard to wear away). 

In short, what would happen worst case is not that we would lose our 
knowledge and technology, but that lots of people would be murdered to
maintain the lifestyle of a few. People just don't work the way these 
doomcriers say, whether that is good or bad.

But seriously, I'm actually a lot more optimistic about the technological
option --- despite all kinds of issues, such as the obvious one that many
of these doomcriers specifically WILL NOT accept any new technology, and
try their darndest in the political arena to prevent its development. 
(Nuclear power in the US is a good example).

			Best and long long life,

				Thomas Donaldson


Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=5775