The voracious cycle of growth must change

For a long time, we in the Sierra Club have been active in promoting conservation of natural resources and the preservation of natural open space, with what some may regard as considerable success. Of course that, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I tend to be optimistic and believe that public officials will respond favorably to our grassroots efforts, assuming we are able to convince them it is in their best interest as well as that of their constituents. On the other hand, I am constantly frustrated in seeing the incessant pressure to develop the last vestiges of open space. Any victory is almost always temporary, and seems to require vigilant defense.

I view our predicament to come from a few basic sources. The first, of course, is an increasing population making ever-increasing demands on a decreasing supply of natural resources. Unfortunately, as the population progresses up the socioeconomic scale, the demands for resources also increase. Another aspect of this situation is the emphasis on growth in our economic system (and perhaps in most others). My understanding of this is that growth implies increased consumption, and that means increased demand for (and use of) resources. Someone has to be available to buy your increased production, so there's no real economic incentive to keep population growth down. We need to develop an economic system that permits us to exist in a world in which technology develops at a rate that permits sustainable use of natural resources, that is, population is maintained at a rate that does not outstrip available resources.

One part of the solution is increased levels of education for the socioeconomically disadvantaged portions of the population. For example, studies have shown that population growth decreases with increased levels of female education. Of course, support for family planning has long been a Sierra Club position, with the view that when given a reasonable choice, parents (especially women) will often elect to limit the size of their families. Unfortunately, many powerful forces (religious groups and others) oppose such freedom of choice for potential parents, not the least of which is our current president and his 'right' thinking supporters. What can you do? There are a lot of smart people in the ranks of our members. Maybe someone can devise an economic system that permits sustainable use of natural resources-one that is not dependent on 'growth' (increasing consumption).

Contact our public officials and tell them that you support using your tax dollars to support worldwide family planning and better education for the poor, and most especially for females of child-bearing age.

Barry Holchin is Conservation Chair of the Palos Verdes-South Bay Group.