Overpopulation behind climate change and peak oil — Transition Voice.
Garrett Hardin was a lad who not only thought a lot, but could also think well. I recently discovered a Hardin book I had not heard of, The Ostrich Factor: Our Population Myopia (1998). Hardin was an interesting blend of an ecological conservative, and a growth-hating political conservative who detested economists. I hoped that this book would provide fresh insights on the huge and difficult problem of overpopulation.
Scared off
After Living Within Limits was published in 1993, critics noted that Hardin complained about overpopulation, but failed to provide a remedy. Hardin admitted that he had been intimidated by the explosive taboo on the subject, which incinerates every dreamer who blunders into it, foolishly preaching common sense. Hence, the ostrich factor — never touch 800-volt issues that are surrounded by large piles of scorched skeletons. You can’t win, so bury your head in the sand, and have a nice day!
There is a widespread fantasy, drilled into us by cultural myths, that our society is guided by reason and elevated moral principles. It’s silly nonsense, but we have a hard time seeing this.
– See more at: http://transitionvoice.com/2014/10/overpopulation-and-the-ostrich-factor/#sthash.CDHTqZ5M.dpuf
