Exponential
population growth is a root cause
of most environmental problems. Previous
attempts to confront the issue have
failed, however, because society has
been polarized by simplistic arguments,
rhetoric, and the emotionally charged
atmosphere surrounding the debate.
Too often, the very discussion of
population has become an easy target
for focused opposition. If we are
to rationally consider population
issues, we must place them within
the broader context of overconsumption
and long- term sustainability.
Population
must be considered as a part of a
comprehensive environmental policy.
Because green plans look at the overall
picture of environmental decline,
they are able to more clearly define
the stress that overpopulation puts
on each part of the environment. As
a green plan is developed, information
on a country's water, soil, air, transportation,
and growth patterns is collected,
evaluated, and made available to the
public. Scientists, planners, and
private citizens are able to assess
the data for themselves. The knowledge
gained in this way helps the public
understand that the environment's
carrying capacity is severely strained,
and that overpopulation contributes
to this problem.
Woven
throughout the best green plans are
strategies addressing sustainability
and the carrying capacity of the earth.
It is clear that population growth
and consumption must be reduced to
provide for a sustainable environment.
Understanding the finite carrying
capacity of the earth helps society
address the volatile issues of population
without the heated conflicts created
by religious and political dogma.
Among
the range of issues green plans deal
with are waste, efficiency, and overconsumption-the
developed world's primary population-related
problems. The green plan policies
regarding these issues are some of
the first ever to be implemented.
The fact that green plans take serious
action on these issues lends credibility
to their countries' discussions of
population policy. Green planning
offers environmentalists and population
policy advocates a new platform from
which to advocate sound policies.
