Hello Gang,

Great topic and something I enjoy learning about. I also teach this to my first year students in our forestry program. Just last week as a matter of fact.

The comments that I have read here mirror the public opinions. Even within our faculty there are differences of opinion. Hence, the biggest problem with this subject is too much conflicting information and science. And certainly a very large topic for all of us to thoroughly understand.

The following are MY opinions:

1. We humans are a very consumptive and somewhat destructive species. Our higher brain function has allowed us to learn how to use and manipulate the natural environment. No other species on the planet can do this on a similar scale!
2. Humans are multiplying TOO FAST! Over six billion people right now; and we will hit 10 billion in our lifetime. Add to this - the next billion will be more educated and consumptive than the first billion. At what point will we exceed the carrying capacity of the planet?
3. On the climate change issue. Our burning of fossil fuels, bulldozing of forests and creating garbage dumps is producing greenhouse gases. This in turn is enhancing the planet's natural Greenhouse Effect which in turn is contributing to the global increases in temperature.
4. The sun is also going through one of it's cycles. More solar radiation is reaching the planet than at other points in the Earth's lifetime.

THE BIG QUESTIONS!

• Is increased solar radiation or increased greenhouse gases causing the current warming trend?
• Which is having a greater impact?
• Can either be controlled or fixed?

Less humans and associated consumption will certainly help, but I don't see us fixing that problem. Plus, the only real solution to this issue is global warfare on a scale that involves nuclear or biological weapons.

So...how do we get 6 billion people to get along, consume less and have less babies?

I wish we had more time to discuss this, but I'll leave it here. Thanks for the time and opportunity to discuss something other than the price of gold!

Be well KXLers.

KG