The worldwide human population is projected to hit 7 billion by 2011, just in time for the much-anticipated end of the world in 2012. In all seriousness, though, the exponential numeric growth of our species should make us to pause and reflect over the implications for the future.I am not one of those people who sees a catastrophe ahead, at least not in the next century or so. Assuming that researchers are able to stay ahead of bacteria and viruses which are developing a resistance to our medical treatments (antibiotics come to mind first and foremost) and thus prevent pandemics which wipe out entire segments of the global population, there is probably enough room on the earth to sustain our swelling numbers for a couple of centuries. At the same time, we need to start to be more intelligent about our immigration policies, development and maintenance of essential infrastructure and somehow maintain a deep respect for human life despite it all.
Immigration is already a major issue in our time. People from Africa, mostly just fleeing grinding poverty and looking for better horizons, daily make the perilous journey by sea to southern Europe. Many are caught and sent back, others die before reaching land and some make it to their goal. With the population of the developing world out-pacing the West in growth, it would be naive to think that this problem will just go away, or that border enforcement can hold back the masses forever. The same goes for the United States and elsewhere that the world's poor turn to when looking for an opportunity. The only long-lasting solution will be an intelligent reform of immigration laws combined with border enforcement and sustained public and private efforts to assist Third World nations develop.
Infrastructure around the world is simply not adequate for our present population, let alone future needs. Having lived in Brazil, South America and traveled via car and bus around the country, I can say that for the most part the roadways there are an embarrassment. Generally speaking, the only good highways in Brazil are toll roads, and the tolls are quite high by local standards. Whether through lack of financial resources, political will or both, the nationwide highway system is a perilous, potholed disgrace that damages vehicles and increases freight costs enormously. The roadways in the United States are better, and throughout Africa I understand that they are far worse. Speaking of Africa, at night most of that continent sits in darkness. Street lights even in major cities is often unreliable or nonexistent.
One of my foremost concerns with an ever-increasing global family is the question of individual human rights. Once I was watching some poorly-conceived scifi movie (I think it was Total Recall) and there was a news report on it where the death of millions in a natural disaster was mentioned. After a comment about "our hearts go out" and an incredibly brief pause, the news anchor cheerfully moved on the then next topic.
It's a simple fact that the more of something there is, the less value we attribute to it. If the powers and authorities, as well as the average person, begins to see human life in a diminished light, greater injustices and crimes against humanity than we have seen before will take place. Perhaps I'm wrong, but deep down I shiver every time I have to deal with the crowds in Manhattan and remember just how insignificant I am in the midst of so many people. As a Christian I believe that all people are image bearers of God and thus worthy of respect and care. Not all share this faith, and among those who do many have betrayed this conviction by their deeds or omissions.
There is more to consider than immigration, infrastructure and human rights when we think about the expanding human population, but these are among my highest concerns. Not even room for everyone comes very high on my list because, as my late father often said, "People don't realize how big the world really is." He was right. There is a lot of room on earth yet, leaving the question of possibly terraforming and populating other worlds in our solar system for at least another several generations. Again, we just have to be smart about use of resources, development and fundamental respect for each individual life.
See Also:
New report puts world population at 7 billion by 2011 (NYDN)
0 comments:
Post a Comment