WORLD IN THE BALANCE--THE POPULATION PARADOX

The world's population is increasing at exponential rates and is now at over 6.5 billion people with the expectation that it will increase to 9 billion by 2050.  Every species has a carrying capacity in relation to its habitat.  Because of the tremendous adaptive powers of human beings, our species has spread out over the entire planet to even the remotest regions, including the poles.  Thus, our habitat is now worldwide.  Most ecologists and conservation biologists maintain that Homo sapiens has already exceeded its carrying capacity not only in terms of agricultural land use, but the availability of freshwater, clean air and other vital ecosystem services, such as a stable climate, required for survival.  Therefore, it is not merely a matter of producing enough food to feed all those hungry mouths.  All of the basic resources upon which we depend are rapidly being depleted, even minerals and rare-earth elements.  In addition, we have greatly altered the climate, nutrient cycles and hydrology as well as accelerated geological processes, and the pollution of capitlist agriculture and industry is ubiquitous, having invaded all four of Earth's matrixes, including the biosphere--Life itself.  Human beings are the most powerful force for change--both negative and positive--on the planet.  That is why it is essential that we get our numbers under control.  The controversy is over how best to achieve that since population is an issue of race and gender as well as rich and poor.  It consequently, becomes a matter not only of biology but also of equity and social and economic justice. 

To open up a discussion about how to begin to solve this enormous problem, the Climate Crisis Coalition of the Twin Cities is holding a free screening of WORLD IN THE BALANCE--THE POPULATION PARADOX.  The film is produced by NOVA as a snapshot of today's human family, which is now at a critical crossroad.  We invite anyone in the Twin Cities area to participate in what promises to be a lively discussion.

The film showing takes place on Monday, January 25 at 7:00 PM at Mayday Books, 301 Cedar Avenue South on the West Bank in Minneapolis.  It is free and open to the public.  The Clean-Energy Vigil to Cool Down the Planet takes place on the plaza outside the bookstore at 5:00 PM (Weather permitting), followed by the 3CTC Business Meeting at 6:00 PM.  All are welcome.  For more information, EMAIL:  christinefrank@visi.com or PHONE:  612-879-8937.