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Collapse, Jared Diamond

Jared Diamond compares the collapses of human societies over time and places with stressors occurring in present days. He looks at how the role of violence, turmoil, chaos, conflict, and class warfare emerge from shortages of water, food and energy. Warfare is a symptom not a cause of turmoil. Consumerism and its consequences of deforestation, desertification, malnutrition and disease depletes resources that cannot be replaced quickly and easily. Successful cultures need sustainable food supplies from local sources, organically grown agriculture to preserve healthy soils, and public potable water available for all. Long term thinking takes into account more people, more consumption and more booms and busts. We have a moral imperative to pay attention.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Natalie A Sera on March 7, 2013 at 1:11am

And it would REALLY help if we got our gross overpopulation down! I think its anti-birth control stance is the biggest damage the Catholic church is inflicting on the world. We just can't afford it, but there are WAY too many Catholics (and Mormons while we're at it) who believe "God will take care of us!". Yeah, right! :-(

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on March 7, 2013 at 1:49am

I so agree with you! Another thing that scares me is the notion that some want Armageddon to occur and do nothing to turn down the warring volume.

Permalink Reply by Patricia on March 7, 2013 at 12:37pm

As well as the muslims multiplying like rabbits & waltzing into every country with intentions of taking over!!!

When I was 15 & still made to go to church, I visited an acquaintance about my age & her mother had just had baby 17. I grew up moron, but even at my age, I just saw no point in having that many kids, & thought it was awful!!!!

One way or another, religions are going to kill us off, & mother earth can recover just fine without us.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on March 7, 2013 at 12:52pm

That is true, "religions are going to kill us off, & mother earth can recover just fine without us."

So? what do we do now? Well, I suppose just enjoy each and every minute we have and surround ourselves with people we love and who love us. For me, it also includes being in my garden with all the wildlife.

Permalink Reply by Patricia on March 7, 2013 at 1:47pm

Yes, I try to live for today & do my best not to disturb much, as I figure we don't have that many years left so may as well enjoy what we can. My husband is already on borrowed time so want to make the most of being together now.

Permalink Reply by Jim DePaulo on March 7, 2013 at 7:19pm

I'm always amused by those who warn of the human destruction of the Earth....the Earth will cure any assaults humans have wrought ...will the healed earth be amenable to humans? Probably not.

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on March 10, 2013 at 11:27pm