1.4 billion people in a country 1/3 the size of the USA, that's India. Given that we are as susceptible to the ghastly wages of overshoot as any other member of the ecosystem, at what point does starting a family become a premeditated crime?
Thank you, Atavist, for your thought-provoking comment. The challenges of population density and resource management are complex and pressing issues. While starting a family is a deeply personal decision, it's important for all of us to consider the broader ecological impacts and strive for sustainable living practices. Open dialogue and education about these issues can help us collectively work towards a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
Oh yeah, you nailed - both hugely pressing and immensely complex, at least for us. When it's another species we're observing when they are in the same condition as us - hares, deer, locusts - we don't find it complex at all. (But maybe those critters do. ;) ) So the only true complexity here is it involves ourselves. Which is a real thing. I've always liked to say that even wolves know when it's time to have a litter - or not.
You make a great point about the complexity of these issues being heightened when they involve ourselves. Observing other species often provides clarity that we sometimes struggle to apply to our own situations. It's fascinating how nature has its own checks and balances, like wolves knowing when to have a litter. Understanding and respecting these natural rhythms can guide us toward more sustainable living.
Yes, Juliet, you are correct. The introduction of diclofenac into African countries has raised concerns there as well. While the situation in Africa is not as dire or widespread as it was in India, the introduction of diclofenac has posed a threat to vulture populations. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate this risk through awareness, advocacy, and legislative action.
Thanks, not a good situation, but at least in African countries they should be more aware of the issues from an early stage and have a better chance of mitigating the worst effects.
It would be nice to think so, but I wonder if it's true. Colonization of Africa has been a more persistent problem, and I'd bet the fact that so many countries would have to act makes effective action much more difficult, but I hope I'm wrong.
Great article as usual, Ed. I have actually given up trying to educate people as to the importance of every species being necessary for this planet to actually exist. In my corner of the world, trying to explain the use of pesticides in farming has decreased exponentially pollinators of all kinds and if we do not have pollinators, crops will not thrive.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I understand your frustration—educating others about the interconnectedness of all species and the importance of biodiversity is challenging. The decline in pollinators due to pesticide use is another critical issue, and your efforts to raise awareness are invaluable. Let's continue to advocate for sustainable practices and hope that, together, we can make a difference.
While many drugs are a "miracle of modern science," we are learning the harms done to us and our ecosystem when they are over-used. It is a tricky balance, and I think the motto today is, "Less is More."
Thank you, Perry! And I completely agree—while modern pharmaceuticals may have brought some benefits, their overuse can have unintended and sometimes harmful consequences for both us and our ecosystems. Striking the right balance is crucial, and the "Less is More" approach is a wise guiding principle.
1.4 billion people in a country 1/3 the size of the USA, that's India. Given that we are as susceptible to the ghastly wages of overshoot as any other member of the ecosystem, at what point does starting a family become a premeditated crime?
Thank you, Atavist, for your thought-provoking comment. The challenges of population density and resource management are complex and pressing issues. While starting a family is a deeply personal decision, it's important for all of us to consider the broader ecological impacts and strive for sustainable living practices. Open dialogue and education about these issues can help us collectively work towards a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
Oh yeah, you nailed - both hugely pressing and immensely complex, at least for us. When it's another species we're observing when they are in the same condition as us - hares, deer, locusts - we don't find it complex at all. (But maybe those critters do. ;) ) So the only true complexity here is it involves ourselves. Which is a real thing. I've always liked to say that even wolves know when it's time to have a litter - or not.
You make a great point about the complexity of these issues being heightened when they involve ourselves. Observing other species often provides clarity that we sometimes struggle to apply to our own situations. It's fascinating how nature has its own checks and balances, like wolves knowing when to have a litter. Understanding and respecting these natural rhythms can guide us toward more sustainable living.
Great article, am I right in thinking that this drug was then introduced into African countries with similar effects on vultures there?
Yes, Juliet, you are correct. The introduction of diclofenac into African countries has raised concerns there as well. While the situation in Africa is not as dire or widespread as it was in India, the introduction of diclofenac has posed a threat to vulture populations. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate this risk through awareness, advocacy, and legislative action.
Thanks, not a good situation, but at least in African countries they should be more aware of the issues from an early stage and have a better chance of mitigating the worst effects.
It would be nice to think so, but I wonder if it's true. Colonization of Africa has been a more persistent problem, and I'd bet the fact that so many countries would have to act makes effective action much more difficult, but I hope I'm wrong.
Yes, that's true, I was probably being too optimistic
I don't think I've ever met anyone who was "too optimistic"... ;-)
Probably better to hope. I’m sorry, in retrospect, that I felt the need to rain on your parade. Not one of my better moments.
No, don't apologise, you were almost certainly right!
Great article as usual, Ed. I have actually given up trying to educate people as to the importance of every species being necessary for this planet to actually exist. In my corner of the world, trying to explain the use of pesticides in farming has decreased exponentially pollinators of all kinds and if we do not have pollinators, crops will not thrive.
We are hell bent on our own destruction!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I understand your frustration—educating others about the interconnectedness of all species and the importance of biodiversity is challenging. The decline in pollinators due to pesticide use is another critical issue, and your efforts to raise awareness are invaluable. Let's continue to advocate for sustainable practices and hope that, together, we can make a difference.
Thanks for the article Ed..
While many drugs are a "miracle of modern science," we are learning the harms done to us and our ecosystem when they are over-used. It is a tricky balance, and I think the motto today is, "Less is More."
Thank you, Perry! And I completely agree—while modern pharmaceuticals may have brought some benefits, their overuse can have unintended and sometimes harmful consequences for both us and our ecosystems. Striking the right balance is crucial, and the "Less is More" approach is a wise guiding principle.