OUR NEMISIS: ETERNAL HUNGER FOR MORE

Initial scenes in the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, show two unarmed clans of ape-men clashing over access to water. Following scenes show one clan adopting weapons (simple clubs) and their triumph over the unarmed clan.

The simple clubs were a very early application of technology.

Jumping far ahead, the movie then shows a spacecraft that is controlled by a computer and manned by humans. Thus, in just a few scenes, the entire breadth of human history was shown.

In between the unarmed clans and the spacecraft, humans have always reached for more power. Increasing power over individuals, groups, nations, and nature, has been the constant theme in human development.

For millennia that development came at an extremely slow pace, measured in centuries rather than years. The discovery and application of the power stored in fossil fuels seriously ramped up the pace. Great changes now occurred in just a few years and the pace was accelerating.

Accumulated changes have brought us to a pivotal point in history.

Fossil fuels have allowed us to overwhelm nature and build enormous economies. Human population has grown at the same rate as our exploitation of fossil fuels. That has both caused and necessitated the use of natural resources at rates that are not sustainable.

Concurrently, we have polluted the earth to such an extent that we are changing earth systems that allow life to exist.

We are left with few options. We can stay the course and try to muddle through as depletion and pollution bring on economic collapse, or we can choose to voluntarily reduce our consumption and population to sustainable levels.

Given human history, voluntary reduction seems unlikely. That leaves only chaotic collapse and an end to comfortable living.

A slim hope still exists. Millions of people around the world are becoming aware of our predicament. Masses are organizing and demanding a change in direction. Huge numbers of people, co-operating to exert maximum pressure, will be required to force political leaders to radically change direction.

Procrastination has stolen valuable time. Climate change, depletion and pollution are beginning to bite hard. Rapid change is necessary, or we will suffer dire consequences.

Orland Kennedy Pleasant Valley, N.S.