Human Dominated Ecosystems

Abstract

Our motives for having children range from the evolutionary drive to immortalize our genes, through the desire to give to another the gift of a life full of meaning, to experience our own procreational potential, to follow the dictates of tradition and religion, to have security in old age, to use them as merchandise or assets, or even to exploit them as a source of unpaid labor. Chapter 11 analyzed the positive correlation between fertility, economic activity and environmental deterioration. In the present chapter I want to further develop the theme, although from a different perspective - that of how societies can become locked in a self-sustaining destructive mode of behavior that is characterized by high fertility, overexploitation of the local environment and low regard for the rights of future generations. Examples illustrating such a self-sustaining cycle of destruction will be taken from both developed and developing countries.

Only after the last tree has been cut down Only after the last river has been poisoned Only after the last fish has been caught Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten Cree Indian prophecy

Note that the content of the original article has been modified to enrich the sample.