Prospects for Peace on a Crowded Planet
Overpopulation may not be the central issue in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups, but the stress of crowded, high density living and scarce resources like food and water exacerbate the situation. Many global conflicts have been happening in areas that can’t support their growing populations. The fact that Israelis and Palestinians have long been engaged in a population growth competition adds to the tragedy.
I sat down to discuss this with campaign team-member Chris Bystroff, a university professor who teaches a course about population dynamics. The outstanding 2013 book about overpopulation, Countdown, by Alan Weiss devotes its first chapter to the conditions and population competition in this area. Here’s the video version or the podcast. Listen to the audio wherever you get your podcasts.
I wish I’d mentioned in this episode that I wonder whether “turning the other cheek” might be the more noble, and only effective response. Most of the world is quick to get behind the “tit for tat” response of retribution for terrorist and other attacks, but we certainly counsel our kids that this is an immature response in their conflicts. While I do want terrorists to pay a price for their horrendous crimes, I would seek a mature response that seeks targeted justice while not killing innocent people. Otherwise you have no chance of ending the hate. And I think we should look for a way to end the hatred some factions in the Middle East have for nations like Israel and the United States, at a fundamental level. I know we are not without fault.
One Final note on the subject - After listening to this episode, Karen Shragg, a noted author and sustainable population activist, sent me something very compelling she wrote on the subject. It is well worth reading: Israel Matters: Why Heavy Doses of Perspective are Needed Now
We also discuss Liz Cheney’s values and unique honesty in the world of political spin, and a great column by Froma Harrop reminding us that the “American Dream” isn’t all about money. Here’s the audio podcast:
MENTIONED IN, OR OTHERWISE RELEVANT TO, THIS EPISODE:
Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth? – by Alan Weisman
The Catalyst of Overpopulation in the Gaza Conflict – by Jon Austen and Jane O’Sullivan
End The Insanity: For Nuclear Disarmament and Global Demilitarization
It's Really Not All About Money - by Froma Harrop
Photo credit: Al Araby CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED
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Posted on 26 Oct 2023, 15:57 - Category: News
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