Saving the Planet with Condoms: Say What?!?
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Here at Healthbolt, we’ve talked about the effects of obesity on global warming, but now we’re faced with a whole other theory: using condoms to save the planet.
Huh.
Yes, this is an overly-simplified summary, but that is essentially what Robert Engelman, an environmentalist and author of the new book More: Population, Nature and What Women Want is saying. Engelman believes that the 78 million new peeps we bring into the world each year adds to the environmental issues here on earth. He also thinks that using condoms, and the implied reduction in births, would help prevent further climate change in our world.
To Engelman, there is a direct correlation between human numbers and the environment - and that better access to contraception of all kinds may help offset the climate crisis we face. He’s not pushing for a permanent reduction in family size or anything preachy like that, but a temporary decrease in births would be a good place to start, says he.
So, wow. Interesting, hey?
I must say that I believe he’s got some valid points. Clearly, the more people using a planet’s resources, the faster they’ll be sapped. But do we need to go as drastic as limiting our family sizes? Should a couple be socially forced into birth control just to appease the ‘Environment Police?’ All things to consider.
So what’s your take on this matter? We’d love to hear from you. And if you’d like to read more of the MSNBC interview with Mr. Engelman before you make your decision, check it out. Makes for interesting reading, for sure.
Tags: Birth Control, Environmental Control, Environmental Effects, Green Living, Healthbolt, World PopulationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: A Mother's Wisdom, Boys & Girls, Children, Green, Media
8 opinions for Saving the Planet with Condoms: Say What?!?
Shadoglare
Jul 2, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Because forced population control had *such* a positive effect on the environment over in China… :P
acne-care>
Jul 2, 2008 at 10:14 pm
yeah sure, it prevents disease and controls the population too.
gabrielle
Jul 3, 2008 at 7:12 am
You know, I wish I could dismiss the argument, but there are some valid points. As someone trying to conceive, I am acutely aware of the “why would you want to add another person to the world…” comments BUT I think Alan Weisman says it so well in his book The World Without Us when he wonders if a cleaner sunset and more flowers really are really all that beautiful if there are no children to share them with. I blog just a bit more about this here.
Nice post!
Trisha
Jul 3, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I would hate to see it get to where people were only allowed so many kids. If people started thinking about population issues more though it might get people having a few less.
And actually it has helped China quite a bit. About a year ago a study was released that said China would by now have around 400 million more people if it weren’t for the so-called one child policy. With China’s population being what it is now and considering that many people there still don’t have cars and don’t have a lot of heat or even hot water in their houses - think of how much bigger an environmental problem China would have with 400 million more people. (for reference, the US population is 300 million, China currently has 1.3 billion people.)
Liberty
Jul 4, 2008 at 7:08 am
Shadoglare, I remember hearing about that as a student, but haven’t heard much of it since. Is that regulation still in effect over in Chinaland? That’d be interesting to study.
Liberty
Jul 4, 2008 at 7:11 am
Awww, Gab, that is such a nice way to look at it. I still need to read your post, but you’re so right, what’s the point of all this beauty if we have to experience it alone?
Certainly, there are valid points on both sides of the fence. Such a tough issue, with no right answers.
Thanks for weighing in. Off to read your post…
Liberty
Jul 4, 2008 at 7:12 am
Thanks for the comment, acne.
Liberty
Jul 4, 2008 at 7:16 am
Trisha, thanks for weighing in. I was wondering about the regulations in China, if they’ve made any difference. 400 million people is A LOT of environmentally-impacting extra people!! Wow.
Have a great holiday weekend and thanks again for sharing that info. :)
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