The Michigan Governor is apparently unaware that the world, the U.S. and even Michigan are overpopulated. Michigan population has been growing a little too slowly for her taste, so Whitmer has appointed a Chief Growth Officer and formed the Growing Michigan Together Council. Not surprisingly, her bottom line is to “spur economic growth.” In an episode you should share with YOUR governor, you’ll get the details and find out why this news puts “a bee in Dave’s bonnet,” plus news about some outstanding new studies, a wonderful commentary in Newsweek, a crazy podcast you’ll like, and a possible candidate for U.S. President. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: A Just World on a Safe Planet: First Study Quantifying Earth System Boundaries https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/latest-news/a-just-world-on-a-safe-planet-first-study-quantifying-earth-system-boundaries Gov. Whitmer Appoints Michigan’s First-Ever Chief Growth Officer (news release) https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-appoints-michigans-first_ever-chief-growth-officer Gov. Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’ to Focus on Population Growth, Building a Brighter Future for Michigan (news release) https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-establishes-the-growing-michigan-together-council-to-focus-on-population-growth Gretchen Whitmer Keynote Address at Mackinac Policy Conference https://youtu.be/jTfnZbSZRpM Arizona Announces Limits on Construction in Phoenix Area as Groundwater Disappears https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/01/us/arizona-phoenix-groundwater-limits-development-climate/index.html Mass Immigration Experiment Gives Canada an Edge in Global Race For Labor https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//nri/work/mass-immigration-experiment-gives-canada-an-edge-in-global-race-for-labor/articleshow/101100076.cms Saying Out Loud What Others Won't Even Whisper About Climate Change – by Kirsten Stade https://www.newsweek.com/saying-out-loud-what-others-wont-even-whisper-about-climate-change-opinion-1806109 Population Growth is the Main Driver of Increased Carbon Emissions, Study Finds https://phys.org/news/2023-04-population-growth-main-driver-carbon.html Crazy Town podcast – Post Carbon Institute https://www.resilience.org/crazy-town-podcast/ Learn more about possible presidential campaign https://davetheplanet2024.wixsite.com/dave-the-planet Shop and Sell Your Clothes Sustainably With These 13 Buyback and Resale Programs https://www.ecowatch.com/clothes-buyback-resale-programs.html Recycle or Purchase Used Levi’s Jeans https://www.secondhand.levi.com/trade-in  Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

The Michigan Governor is apparently unaware that the world, the U.S. and even Michigan are overpopulated. Michigan population has been growing a little too slowly for her taste, so Whitmer has appointed a Chief Growth Officer and formed the Growing Michigan Together Council. Not surprisingly, her bottom line is to “spur economic growth.” In an episode you should share with YOUR governor, you’ll get the details and find out why this news puts “a bee in Dave’s bonnet,” plus news about some outstanding new studies, a wonderful commentary in Newsweek, a crazy podcast you’ll like, and a possible candidate for U.S. President. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: A Just World on a Safe Planet: First Study Quantifying Earth System Boundaries <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/latest-news/a-just-world-on-a-safe-planet-first-study-quantifying-earth-system-boundaries" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/latest-news/a-just-world-on-a-safe-planet-first-study-quantifying-earth-system-boundaries</a> Gov. Whitmer Appoints Michigan’s First-Ever Chief Growth Officer (news release) <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-appoints-michigans-first_ever-chief-growth-officer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-appoints-michigans-first_ever-chief-growth-officer</a> Gov. Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’ to Focus on Population Growth, Building a Brighter Future for Michigan (news release) <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-establishes-the-growing-michigan-together-council-to-focus-on-population-growth" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-establishes-the-growing-michigan-together-council-to-focus-on-population-growth</a> Gretchen Whitmer Keynote Address at Mackinac Policy Conference <a href="https://youtu.be/jTfnZbSZRpM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/jTfnZbSZRpM</a> Arizona Announces Limits on Construction in Phoenix Area as Groundwater Disappears <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/01/us/arizona-phoenix-groundwater-limits-development-climate/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/01/us/arizona-phoenix-groundwater-limits-development-climate/index.html</a> Mass Immigration Experiment Gives Canada an Edge in Global Race For Labor <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/mass-immigration-experiment-gives-canada-an-edge-in-global-race-for-labor/articleshow/101100076.cms" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//nri/work/mass-immigration-experiment-gives-canada-an-edge-in-global-race-for-labor/articleshow/101100076.cms</a> Saying Out Loud What Others Won't Even Whisper About Climate Change – by Kirsten Stade <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/saying-out-loud-what-others-wont-even-whisper-about-climate-change-opinion-1806109" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newsweek.com/saying-out-loud-what-others-wont-even-whisper-about-climate-change-opinion-1806109</a> Population Growth is the Main Driver of Increased Carbon Emissions, Study Finds <a href="https://phys.org/news/2023-04-population-growth-main-driver-carbon.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://phys.org/news/2023-04-population-growth-main-driver-carbon.html</a> Crazy Town podcast – Post Carbon Institute <a href="https://www.resilience.org/crazy-town-podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.resilience.org/crazy-town-podcast/</a> Learn more about possible presidential campaign <a href="https://davetheplanet2024.wixsite.com/dave-the-planet" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://davetheplanet2024.wixsite.com/dave-the-planet</a> Shop and Sell Your Clothes Sustainably With These 13 Buyback and Resale Programs <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/clothes-buyback-resale-programs.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ecowatch.com/clothes-buyback-resale-programs.html</a> Recycle or Purchase Used Levi’s Jeans <a href="https://www.secondhand.levi.com/trade-in" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.secondhand.levi.com/trade-in</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

82: Governor Whitmer Unveils Ponzi Population Policy

Are many vegans self-righteous, overbearing and insufferable in their efforts to recruit us? Would you believe “overpopulation” is still a taboo word? Or that human population numbers are still an “off-limits” topic at some conferences? This episode continues the conversation we began in episode 79 with five smart people:   Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance Sarah Bexell, director of humane education at the Institute for Human Animal Connection at University of Denver Paul Sutton, professor of geography &amp; the environment at DU Stephanie Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast Dave Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Population Balance https://populationbalance.org Population Denialism is Reminiscent of Climate Denialism - by Kirsten Stade https://www.ipsnews.net/2023/05/population-denialism-reminiscent-climate-denialism/ Pro-Birth Policies Are Killing Us – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child (Course at Antioch University taught by Nandita Bajaj) https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-courseBackpedalling on Overpopulation – by Rory Cockshaw https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/backpedalling-on-overpopulationTrains, Plants and Condoms: How to Save the Planet in 3 Simple Steps – by Rory Cockshaw https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/trains-plants-and-condomsWinners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World – by Anand Giridharadas https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/37506348The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market – by Dr. Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57693264How Free-Market Fundamentalism Fuels Overpopulation Denialism &amp; Undermines Democracy – Episode of The Overpopulation Podcast with Naomi Oreskes https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts/naomi-oreskesPresident Condemns ‘Obsession’ With Economic Growth Irish President Michael D Higgins speaks out against growth https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/28/president-condemns-obsession-with-economic-growth/Welcome To MAGA World: Trump Wants 'Freedom Cities' Where Cars Can Fly, Parents Get 'BONUSES' for Having Babies and Huge Monuments are Built to 'True American Heroes' in 'Quantum Leap' Vision for the Future  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11818381/Trumps-2024-pitch-New-cities-flying-cars-babies.html  Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

Are many vegans self-righteous, overbearing and insufferable in their efforts to recruit us? Would you believe “overpopulation” is still a taboo word? Or that human population numbers are still an “off-limits” topic at some conferences? This episode continues the conversation we began in episode 79 with five smart people:   Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance Sarah Bexell, director of humane education at the Institute for Human Animal Connection at University of Denver Paul Sutton, professor of geography &amp; the environment at DU Stephanie Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast Dave Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Population Balance <a href="https://populationbalance.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://populationbalance.org</a> Population Denialism is Reminiscent of Climate Denialism - by Kirsten Stade <a href="https://www.ipsnews.net/2023/05/population-denialism-reminiscent-climate-denialism/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ipsnews.net/2023/05/population-denialism-reminiscent-climate-denialism/</a> Pro-Birth Policies Are Killing Us – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197</a>Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child (Course at Antioch University taught by Nandita Bajaj) <a href="https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course</a>Backpedalling on Overpopulation – by Rory Cockshaw <a href="https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/backpedalling-on-overpopulation" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/backpedalling-on-overpopulation</a>Trains, Plants and Condoms: How to Save the Planet in 3 Simple Steps – by Rory Cockshaw <a href="https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/trains-plants-and-condoms" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.rorycockshaw.com/blog/trains-plants-and-condoms</a>Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World – by Anand Giridharadas <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/37506348" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/37506348</a>The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market – by Dr. Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57693264" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57693264</a>How Free-Market Fundamentalism Fuels Overpopulation Denialism &amp; Undermines Democracy – Episode of The Overpopulation Podcast with Naomi Oreskes <a href="https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts/naomi-oreskes" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts/naomi-oreskes</a>President Condemns ‘Obsession’ With Economic Growth Irish President Michael D Higgins speaks out against growth <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/28/president-condemns-obsession-with-economic-growth/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/28/president-condemns-obsession-with-economic-growth/</a>Welcome To MAGA World: Trump Wants 'Freedom Cities' Where Cars Can Fly, Parents Get 'BONUSES' for Having Babies and Huge Monuments are Built to 'True American Heroes' in 'Quantum Leap' Vision for the Future <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11818381/Trumps-2024-pitch-New-cities-flying-cars-babies.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11818381/Trumps-2024-pitch-New-cities-flying-cars-babies.html</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

81 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 2

Students in a DU ecological economics class discuss their biggest concerns and how our society might overcome them. Overshoot, polarization, the American Dream, politics, selfish individualism, and the capitalism growth imperative are among the topics explored – as GrowthBuster Dave Gardner sits down with leaders of tomorrow.   Dave is joined by Professor Paul Sutton at the University of Denver and students Lilia Davis, Julia Gainey, Cassienne Levan, Nathan Cox, Mikey Ford, Geordie Shonk, Elsa Krantz, and Alexandra Van de Water. Surprisingly, all the students seem to have a clear picture of how deadly serious our overshoot predicament is, but - just as surprisingly - optimism wasn’t found wanting.   MENTIONED:   GrowthBusters Campus Tour https://www.growthbusters.org/campus-tour/   What Do College Students Think Their Future Holds? – Episode 65 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/college-students-think/   Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – Episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/    G7 Clean Energy Economy Action Plan - May 20, 2023 Statement https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/g7-clean-energy-economy-action-plan/

Students in a DU ecological economics class discuss their biggest concerns and how our society might overcome them. Overshoot, polarization, the American Dream, politics, selfish individualism, and the capitalism growth imperative are among the topics explored – as GrowthBuster Dave Gardner sits down with leaders of tomorrow.   Dave is joined by Professor Paul Sutton at the University of Denver and students Lilia Davis, Julia Gainey, Cassienne Levan, Nathan Cox, Mikey Ford, Geordie Shonk, Elsa Krantz, and Alexandra Van de Water. Surprisingly, all the students seem to have a clear picture of how deadly serious our overshoot predicament is, but - just as surprisingly - optimism wasn’t found wanting.   MENTIONED:   GrowthBusters Campus Tour <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/campus-tour/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/campus-tour/</a>   What Do College Students Think Their Future Holds? – Episode 65 of the GrowthBusters podcast <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/college-students-think/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/college-students-think/</a>   Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – Episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/</a>   G7 Clean Energy Economy Action Plan - May 20, 2023 Statement <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/g7-clean-energy-economy-action-plan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/g7-clean-energy-economy-action-plan/</a>

80 How Do We Get Out of This Mess? University Students Brainstorm

Five thought leaders break the silence on the role of human overpopulation in ecological overshoot –with an informed, engaging conversation about the subject. This is what intelligent discourse sounds like. For thirty years, many people – some well-intentioned – have been trying to silence discourse about human overpopulation. One of our goals on the GrowthBusters podcast is to break that silence, and this episode does that well by bringing together three great thinkers – actually five, educators and crusaders on the subject. The occasion was a visit to Colorado by Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance and co-host of The Overpopulation Podcast. Nandita designed &amp; teaches the first graduate course on Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child at the Institute for Humane Education at Antioch University. As a bonus, we were joined by her hosts from the University of Denver, Paul Sutton and Sarah Bexell. Sarah leads DU’s Center for Sustainability and teaches at the Institute for Humane Education. Paul is Professor in the Department. of Geography &amp; the Environment, and teaches geographic statistics, population geography, and ecological economics. The conversation covers a lot of ground – pronatalism, animal rights, human rights, and collaboration. LINKS: Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child -Nandita’s course at Antioch University https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course Abortion Bans Are a Natural Outgrowth of Coercive Pronatalism – by Nandita Bajaj, in Ms. magazine https://msmagazine.com/2022/06/07/abortion-bans-coercive-pronatalism-forced-birth/ Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology – by Nandita Bajaj https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology Challenging Pronatalism Is Key to Advancing Reproductive Rights and a Sustainable Population – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/819 Coercive Pro-Birth Policies Have Devastating Impacts on People and the Planet  – in Newsweek, by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197 Population Balance https://www.populationbalance.org/ The Overpopulation Podcast https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts Countdown - by Alan Weisman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332183-countdown Mechai Viraveidya https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechai_Viravaidya Overpopulation Facts - The Problem No One Will Discuss - Alexandra Paul’s TedX talk https://youtu.be/fNxctzyNxC0 Population Media Center https://www.populationmedia.org/ The Green Growth Delusion – 1st installment of new series, Green Tinted Glasses – by Christopher Ketcham https://www.truthdig.com/dig/green-tinted-glasses/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/  Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

Five thought leaders break the silence on the role of human overpopulation in ecological overshoot –with an informed, engaging conversation about the subject. This is what intelligent discourse sounds like. For thirty years, many people – some well-intentioned – have been trying to silence discourse about human overpopulation. One of our goals on the GrowthBusters podcast is to break that silence, and this episode does that well by bringing together three great thinkers – actually five, educators and crusaders on the subject. The occasion was a visit to Colorado by Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance and co-host of The Overpopulation Podcast. Nandita designed &amp; teaches the first graduate course on Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child at the Institute for Humane Education at Antioch University. As a bonus, we were joined by her hosts from the University of Denver, Paul Sutton and Sarah Bexell. Sarah leads DU’s Center for Sustainability and teaches at the Institute for Humane Education. Paul is Professor in the Department. of Geography &amp; the Environment, and teaches geographic statistics, population geography, and ecological economics. The conversation covers a lot of ground – pronatalism, animal rights, human rights, and collaboration. LINKS: Pronatalism &amp; Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child -Nandita’s course at Antioch University <a href="https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course</a> Abortion Bans Are a Natural Outgrowth of Coercive Pronatalism – by Nandita Bajaj, in Ms. magazine <a href="https://msmagazine.com/2022/06/07/abortion-bans-coercive-pronatalism-forced-birth/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://msmagazine.com/2022/06/07/abortion-bans-coercive-pronatalism-forced-birth/</a> Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology – by Nandita Bajaj <a href="https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology</a> Challenging Pronatalism Is Key to Advancing Reproductive Rights and a Sustainable Population – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade <a href="https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/819" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/819</a> Coercive Pro-Birth Policies Have Devastating Impacts on People and the Planet  – in Newsweek, by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newsweek.com/too-much-good-thing-pronatalism-killing-earth-opinion-1784197</a> Population Balance <a href="https://www.populationbalance.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationbalance.org/</a> The Overpopulation Podcast <a href="https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationbalance.org/podcasts</a> Countdown - by Alan Weisman <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332183-countdown" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332183-countdown</a> Mechai Viraveidya <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechai_Viravaidya" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechai_Viravaidya</a> Overpopulation Facts - The Problem No One Will Discuss - Alexandra Paul’s TedX talk <a href="https://youtu.be/fNxctzyNxC0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/fNxctzyNxC0</a> Population Media Center <a href="https://www.populationmedia.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.populationmedia.org/</a> The Green Growth Delusion – 1st installment of new series, Green Tinted Glasses – by Christopher Ketcham <a href="https://www.truthdig.com/dig/green-tinted-glasses/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.truthdig.com/dig/green-tinted-glasses/</a> MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Join the GrowthBusters online community <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

79 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 1

Why do discussions of overpopulation often elicit emotional responses of fear, anger, or indignation? Are anger and indignation what prevents productive discussion of population? These responses in a graduate college class provide an opportunity to explore how we might pave the way for productive conversations. Our guest in this episode, Professor Christopher Bystroff of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute wonders whether a “global therapy session” could end what he describes as a “global, sullen silence.” We need intelligent discourse on the subject, but too often it is being shut down. Open, honest, and factual discussion of the human overpopulation crisis can put an end to the myths, misassumptions and misinformation that cloud the subject. Spoiler alert: we don’t find a fast-acting, magic solution, but Dave does come up with one good idea – “a pill that makes men more mature.”  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Chris Bystroff https://faculty.rpi.edu/chris-bystroff  Footprints to Singularity: A Global Population Model Explains Late 20th Century Slow-Down and Predicts Peak Within Ten Years – by Chris Bystroff https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247214 Don’t Reduce Your Footprint! – by Mathis Wackernagel https://www.footprintnetwork.org/2023/01/18/dont-reduce-your-footprint/? You Deserve the Truth About Overpopulation – by Dave Gardner (in our Ending Overshoot Medium publication) https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/you-deserve-the-truth-about-overpopulation-784f40e46902 I’m Thankful Smart People are Telling the Truth https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155 Ending Overshoot – publication on Medium https://medium.com/ending-overshoot Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/   Jimmy Kimmel for Vice President http://jk4vp.com/ Recommended by Tom in Listener Feedback: Fossil Fuel Fascism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGlrX6lA9O8 The Fossil Fuel Industry is a Factory of Fairy Tales, Says Activist and School Strike for Climate Organizer Luisa Neubauer https://www.ted.com/talks/luisa_neubauer_the_fairy_tales_of_the_fossil_fuel_industry_and_a_better_climate_story/comments The Last Tourist https://thelasttouristfilm.com Al Bartlett Growth and Sustainability Lecture October 27, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O133ppiVnWY&amp;t=1806s   Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

Why do discussions of overpopulation often elicit emotional responses of fear, anger, or indignation? Are anger and indignation what prevents productive discussion of population? These responses in a graduate college class provide an opportunity to explore how we might pave the way for productive conversations. Our guest in this episode, Professor Christopher Bystroff of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute wonders whether a “global therapy session” could end what he describes as a “global, sullen silence.” We need intelligent discourse on the subject, but too often it is being shut down. Open, honest, and factual discussion of the human overpopulation crisis can put an end to the myths, misassumptions and misinformation that cloud the subject. Spoiler alert: we don’t find a fast-acting, magic solution, but Dave does come up with one good idea – “a pill that makes men more mature.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Chris Bystroff <a href="https://faculty.rpi.edu/chris-bystroff" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://faculty.rpi.edu/chris-bystroff </a> Footprints to Singularity: A Global Population Model Explains Late 20th Century Slow-Down and Predicts Peak Within Ten Years – by Chris Bystroff <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247214" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247214</a> Don’t Reduce Your Footprint! – by Mathis Wackernagel <a href="https://www.footprintnetwork.org/2023/01/18/dont-reduce-your-footprint/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.footprintnetwork.org/2023/01/18/dont-reduce-your-footprint/?</a> You Deserve the Truth About Overpopulation – by Dave Gardner (in our Ending Overshoot Medium publication) <a href="https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/you-deserve-the-truth-about-overpopulation-784f40e46902" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/you-deserve-the-truth-about-overpopulation-784f40e46902</a> I’m Thankful Smart People are Telling the Truth <a href="https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155</a> Ending Overshoot – publication on Medium <a href="https://medium.com/ending-overshoot" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://medium.com/ending-overshoot</a> Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/</a> Jimmy Kimmel for Vice President <a href="http://jk4vp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://jk4vp.com/</a> Recommended by Tom in Listener Feedback: Fossil Fuel Fascism <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGlrX6lA9O8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGlrX6lA9O8</a> The Fossil Fuel Industry is a Factory of Fairy Tales, Says Activist and School Strike for Climate Organizer Luisa Neubauer <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/luisa_neubauer_the_fairy_tales_of_the_fossil_fuel_industry_and_a_better_climate_story/comments" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ted.com/talks/luisa_neubauer_the_fairy_tales_of_the_fossil_fuel_industry_and_a_better_climate_story/comments</a> The Last Tourist <a href="https://thelasttouristfilm.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://thelasttouristfilm.com</a> Al Bartlett Growth and Sustainability Lecture October 27, 2013 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O133ppiVnWY&amp;t=1806s" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O133ppiVnWY&amp;t=1806s</a> Join the GrowthBusters online community <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

78 Discussing Overpopulation: Let's Clear the Minefield

The news that China’s massive population dropped by nearly a million people last year was almost universally reported as a “crisis.” In this episode we unpack the news coverage and take journalists to task for completely overlooking the fact that, in an overpopulated world, population contraction should be greeted with a collective sigh of relief. The population news was accompanied by an announcement that China’s economy grew by only three percent, less than half the previous year’s 8.1 percent. This, too, was reported as bad news for China. Of course, obsession with GDP growth is what’s driving China’s recently-found determination to convince its citizens to start birthing more laborers. And globally the GDP growth fetish is killing the planet. Dave explains how China’s efforts to keep its population growing are an effort to perpetuate a Ponzi scheme, and this is not the behavior of a good global citizen. “We need to make one-child families the norm, for the next hundred years, if we want those children to have any shot at a decent life.” We give special attention to the reporting of Steve Inskeep on NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as Geoff Bennett of PBS NewsHour. These journalists should have a much more comprehensive understanding of limits to growth and the unsustainability of perpetual economic and population growth.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: China’s Population Can Still Prosper - by Catherine Bowen and Vegard Skirbekk https://www.wired.com/story/china-fertility-population-decline-demography-economics/ Mainstream Media Blindness to China’s Depopulation Dividend - by Jon Austen, in our Ending Overshoot publication on Medium https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/mainstream-media-blindness-to-chinas-depopulation-dividend-419e708e460 Now Here’s What We Call an Eco-Superhero - Episode 76 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/eco-superhero/ Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/  Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

The news that China’s massive population dropped by nearly a million people last year was almost universally reported as a “crisis.” In this episode we unpack the news coverage and take journalists to task for completely overlooking the fact that, in an overpopulated world, population contraction should be greeted with a collective sigh of relief. The population news was accompanied by an announcement that China’s economy grew by only three percent, less than half the previous year’s 8.1 percent. This, too, was reported as bad news for China. Of course, obsession with GDP growth is what’s driving China’s recently-found determination to convince its citizens to start birthing more laborers. And globally the GDP growth fetish is killing the planet. Dave explains how China’s efforts to keep its population growing are an effort to perpetuate a Ponzi scheme, and this is not the behavior of a good global citizen. “We need to make one-child families the norm, for the next hundred years, if we want those children to have any shot at a decent life.” We give special attention to the reporting of Steve Inskeep on NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as Geoff Bennett of PBS NewsHour. These journalists should have a much more comprehensive understanding of limits to growth and the unsustainability of perpetual economic and population growth. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: China’s Population Can Still Prosper - by Catherine Bowen and Vegard Skirbekk <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/china-fertility-population-decline-demography-economics/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wired.com/story/china-fertility-population-decline-demography-economics/</a> Mainstream Media Blindness to China’s Depopulation Dividend - by Jon Austen, in our Ending Overshoot publication on Medium <a href="https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/mainstream-media-blindness-to-chinas-depopulation-dividend-419e708e46" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/mainstream-media-blindness-to-chinas-depopulation-dividend-419e708e46</a>0 Now Here’s What We Call an Eco-Superhero - Episode 76 of the GrowthBusters podcast <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/eco-superhero/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/eco-superhero/</a> Join the GrowthBusters online community <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

77 Fact-Checking News of China’s “Demographic Crisis”

Getting take-out in your own reusable container, recycling bubble-wrap properly, and getting arrested – it’s all in a day’s work for an eco-superhero. Stephanie and Dave learn about climate activism with Extinction Rebellion, sharing quirky sustainability life hacks on social media, and the joy of a 58-hour train trip – from Stephanie’s former co-worker and friend, James Comiskey. Find out...  why James is angry and thinks he has a right to be if #AmtrakLife should be your new favorite hashtag why Steve Bannon wears three shirts at one time why Dave proposes we organize a conference for journalists (spoiler, we can’t resist: to “deprogram” the pro-growth bias that’s been instilled in them)   LINKS: Before the Flood – documentaryhttps://www.beforetheflood.com/ James Comiskey on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jamescomiskey/ Avoiding Air Travel and Going by Trainhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CmALljmPh9-/ Reusable Take-Outhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CJcnt_vnGhb/ The One About Bubblewraphttps://www.instagram.com/p/CSQOPcfn4Uj/ List of Multiple Discoveries (from John’s email about invetntions)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiple_discoveries Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

Getting take-out in your own reusable container, recycling bubble-wrap properly, and getting arrested – it’s all in a day’s work for an eco-superhero. Stephanie and Dave learn about climate activism with Extinction Rebellion, sharing quirky sustainability life hacks on social media, and the joy of a 58-hour train trip – from Stephanie’s former co-worker and friend, James Comiskey. Find out... <ul> <li>why James is angry and thinks he has a right to be</li> <li>if #AmtrakLife should be your new favorite hashtag</li> <li>why Steve Bannon wears three shirts at one time</li> <li>why Dave proposes we organize a conference for journalists (spoiler, we can’t resist: to “deprogram” the pro-growth bias that’s been instilled in them)</li> </ul> LINKS: Before the Flood – documentary<a href="https://www.beforetheflood.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.beforetheflood.com/</a> James Comiskey on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamescomiskey/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jamescomiskey/</a> Avoiding Air Travel and Going by Train<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmALljmPh9-/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/CmALljmPh9-/</a> Reusable Take-Out<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJcnt_vnGhb/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/CJcnt_vnGhb/</a> The One About Bubblewrap<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQOPcfn4Uj/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQOPcfn4Uj/</a> List of Multiple Discoveries (from John’s email about invetntions)<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiple_discoveries" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiple_discoveries</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

76 Now Here's What We Call an Eco-Superhero

Herschel Walker

More men are stepping up and taking responsibility for avoiding unplanned parenthood. Dave celebrates this trend as he shares GrowthBusters plans for the new year in this special year-end mini-episode. A typical vasectomy takes about ten minutes. It’s much less invasive, and less expensive, than the equivalent procedure for women. GrowthBusting highlights for next year: GrowthBusters online community continues into its second year, developing resources and providing support for sustainability activists. GrowthBusters Campus Tour now has 8 impressive speakers to virtually enter your classroom, campus event, conference, workshop, seminar, symposium, forum, colloquium, service club, church or community group meeting. The GrowthBusters podcast continues. We depend on your financial support to keep these important initiatives humming. Please make a one-time or recurring donation at https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/  Mentioned in this Episode: Fewer Abortions, More Vasectomies: Why the Procedure May Be Getting More Popular  https://www.npr.org/2022/12/20/1143639556/vasectomies-dobbs-roe-abortion-contraception    Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

More men are stepping up and taking responsibility for avoiding unplanned parenthood. Dave celebrates this trend as he shares GrowthBusters plans for the new year in this special year-end mini-episode. A typical vasectomy takes about ten minutes. It’s much less invasive, and less expensive, than the equivalent procedure for women. GrowthBusting highlights for next year: <a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/g/main" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters online community</a> continues into its second year, developing resources and providing support for sustainability activists. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/campus-tour/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters Campus Tour</a> now has 8 impressive speakers to virtually enter your classroom, campus event, conference, workshop, seminar, symposium, forum, colloquium, service club, church or community group meeting. The <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters podcast</a> continues. We depend on your financial support to keep these important initiatives humming. Please make a one-time or recurring donation at <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Mentioned in this Episode: Fewer Abortions, More Vasectomies: Why the Procedure May Be Getting More Popular <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/12/20/1143639556/vasectomies-dobbs-roe-abortion-contraception" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.npr.org/2022/12/20/1143639556/vasectomies-dobbs-roe-abortion-contraception</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

75 A Vasectomy Could Save Herschel Walker a Lot of Money

Examining news coverage and commentaries about human population passing 8 billion on November 15, we unpack the reasons far too many of us avoid discourse about human overpopulation. Why are we tap-dancing around the very dialogue needed so people around the world can make informed, responsible family-size decisions? We conclude the guilt many feel about their privilege is actually hurting those who don’t share our fortune. Also, find out why Black Friday was really bleak, and how TV networks refused to run Buy Nothing Day commercials. Plus, should Dave get over his obsession with phantom power and wall warts? And, how do you approach the occupant of an idling vehicle and educate them about wasting gas and needlessly polluting – without getting shot?  LINKS: GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – the documentary (see it free)https://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? – our YouTube videohttps://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc  8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation – Episode 73 of GrowthBusters podcasthttps://www.growthbusters.org/8-billion-is-too-many/ Child-Free by Choice: The Birth Rate Crisis Gripping the West - by Rosa Silverman in the UK Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/child-free-choice-birth-rate-crisis-gripping-west/ World Population At 8 Billion Humans -- And Still Growing – AFP story by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIShttps://www.barrons.com/news/world-population-at-8-billion-humans-and-still-growing-01667786407 8 Billion People: A Milestone by the Numbers – by Jennifer Sciubba at Population Reference Bureauhttps://www.prb.org/articles/8-billion-people/ Earth at 8 Billion: Consumption Not Crowd is Key to Climate – AP story by Seth Borensteinhttps://apnews.com/article/science-africa-pollution-climate-and-environment-1c70df435acda74301ff2df96a86dd43 The Human Eco-Predicament: Overshoot and the Population Conundrum – by William Rees in the Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2023https://www.austriaca.at/0xc1aa5576_0x003dcfa1.pdf Bending the Curve - by Chris Tuckerhttps://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515 Global Population About to Hit 8 Billion - by William Ryerson (Population Media Center) and Kathleen Mogelgaard (Population Institute)https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3712763-global-population-about-to-hit-8-billion/ 8 Billion Day Facts and Myths: A Guide to the 8 Billion Global Population Milestone on 15 November – by Sustainable Population Australiahttps://population.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Briefing-Note-8-Billion-Day.pdf Crisis Point: The World at 8 Billion People - Fact Sheet from Population Mattershttps://populationmatters.org/resources/the-world-at-8-billion-people/ Has the Population Bomb Exploded? - by Julian Cribbhttps://juliancribb.blog/2022/11/02/has-the-population-bomb-exploded/ Buy Nothing Day TV commercial produced by Adbusters in 1999https://youtu.be/UOqRXBJgapQ Internet Spreads Word as Networks Shun Adverts for Buy Nothing Dayhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2000/nov/24/internetnews.internationalnews Herman Daly commemorative sampler from CASSEhttps://steadystate.org/in-commemoration-a-sampling-of-herman-daly/ Economic Heresy – Herman Daly on the Conversation Earth radio series/podcasthttp://www.conversationearth.org/economic-heresy/ I’m Thankful Smart People Are Telling the Truth: Economic and Population Growth Need to End ASAP – by Dave Gardner at Mediumhttps://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155 NYC Anti-Idling Law Turns Into Huge Payday ($125K for One Man) for Citizens Who Reporthttps://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/nyc-anti-idling-law-turns-into-huge-payday-125k-for-one-man-for-citizens-who-report/3637231/ Idle Threat – 2012 documentaryhttps://www.videoproject.org/Idle-Threat.html 19-minute free versionhttps://cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/53634/Idle-Threat MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

Examining news coverage and commentaries about human population passing 8 billion on November 15, we unpack the reasons far too many of us avoid discourse about human overpopulation. Why are we tap-dancing around the very dialogue needed so people around the world can make informed, responsible family-size decisions? We conclude the guilt many feel about their privilege is actually hurting those who don’t share our fortune. Also, find out why Black Friday was really bleak, and how TV networks refused to run Buy Nothing Day commercials. Plus, should Dave get over his obsession with phantom power and wall warts? And, how do you approach the occupant of an idling vehicle and educate them about wasting gas and needlessly polluting – without getting shot?  LINKS: GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – the documentary (see it free)<a href="https://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie</a> World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? – our YouTube video<a href="https://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc </a> 8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation – Episode 73 of GrowthBusters podcast<a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/8-billion-is-too-many/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/8-billion-is-too-many/</a> Child-Free by Choice: The Birth Rate Crisis Gripping the West - by Rosa Silverman in the UK Telegraph<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/child-free-choice-birth-rate-crisis-gripping-west/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/child-free-choice-birth-rate-crisis-gripping-west/</a> World Population At 8 Billion Humans -- And Still Growing – AFP story by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/world-population-at-8-billion-humans-and-still-growing-01667786407" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.barrons.com/news/world-population-at-8-billion-humans-and-still-growing-01667786407</a> 8 Billion People: A Milestone by the Numbers – by Jennifer Sciubba at Population Reference Bureau<a href="https://www.prb.org/articles/8-billion-people/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.prb.org/articles/8-billion-people/</a> Earth at 8 Billion: Consumption Not Crowd is Key to Climate – AP story by Seth Borenstein<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-africa-pollution-climate-and-environment-1c70df435acda74301ff2df96a86dd43" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://apnews.com/article/science-africa-pollution-climate-and-environment-1c70df435acda74301ff2df96a86dd43</a> The Human Eco-Predicament: Overshoot and the Population Conundrum – by William Rees in the Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2023<a href="https://www.austriaca.at/0xc1aa5576_0x003dcfa1.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.austriaca.at/0xc1aa5576_0x003dcfa1.pdf</a> Bending the Curve - by Chris Tucker<a href="https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515</a> Global Population About to Hit 8 Billion - by William Ryerson (Population Media Center) and Kathleen Mogelgaard (Population Institute)<a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3712763-global-population-about-to-hit-8-billion/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3712763-global-population-about-to-hit-8-billion/</a> 8 Billion Day Facts and Myths: A Guide to the 8 Billion Global Population Milestone on 15 November – by Sustainable Population Australia<a href="https://population.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Briefing-Note-8-Billion-Day.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://population.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Briefing-Note-8-Billion-Day.pdf</a> Crisis Point: The World at 8 Billion People - Fact Sheet from Population Matters<a href="https://populationmatters.org/resources/the-world-at-8-billion-people/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://populationmatters.org/resources/the-world-at-8-billion-people/</a> Has the Population Bomb Exploded? - by Julian Cribb<a href="https://juliancribb.blog/2022/11/02/has-the-population-bomb-exploded/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://juliancribb.blog/2022/11/02/has-the-population-bomb-exploded/</a> Buy Nothing Day TV commercial produced by Adbusters in 1999<a href="https://youtu.be/UOqRXBJgapQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/UOqRXBJgapQ</a> Internet Spreads Word as Networks Shun Adverts for Buy Nothing Day<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2000/nov/24/internetnews.internationalnews" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2000/nov/24/internetnews.internationalnews</a> Herman Daly commemorative sampler from CASSE<a href="https://steadystate.org/in-commemoration-a-sampling-of-herman-daly/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://steadystate.org/in-commemoration-a-sampling-of-herman-daly/</a> Economic Heresy – Herman Daly on the Conversation Earth radio series/podcast<a href="http://www.conversationearth.org/economic-heresy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.conversationearth.org/economic-heresy/</a> I’m Thankful Smart People Are Telling the Truth: Economic and Population Growth Need to End ASAP – by Dave Gardner at Medium<a href="https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://medium.com/ending-overshoot/im-thankful-smart-people-are-telling-the-truth-654f3ae27155</a> NYC Anti-Idling Law Turns Into Huge Payday ($125K for One Man) for Citizens Who Report<a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/nyc-anti-idling-law-turns-into-huge-payday-125k-for-one-man-for-citizens-who-report/3637231/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/nyc-anti-idling-law-turns-into-huge-payday-125k-for-one-man-for-citizens-who-report/3637231/</a> Idle Threat – 2012 documentary<a href="https://www.videoproject.org/Idle-Threat.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.videoproject.org/Idle-Threat.html</a> 19-minute free version<a href="https://cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/53634/Idle-Threat" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/53634/Idle-Threat</a> MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

74 Bleak Friday, 8 Billion Post-Mortem and Damage Done by Guilt

While Elon Musk erroneously claims population collapse is our biggest worry, world population is hitting 8 billion, adding the latest billion faster than any time in history. The UN has declared world population will surpass 8 billion on November 15, 2022. We persist in adding about 80 million people to the planet every year, despite overwhelming evidence we’ve outgrown our planet. Christopher Tucker, author of A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future, joins Dave in a conversation intended to help cure the rampant overshoot illiteracy resulting from misguided silence on the subject. This illiteracy is demonstrated as Dave shares his new YouTube video (link below) about the 8 billion milestone. Tucker shares his disappointment in United Nations messaging around World Population Day (July 11) and the 8 billion milestone, and Dave turns his criticism up to eleven. He makes this important point about the silence on overshoot and overpopulation: If responsible people don’t talk about these issues, irresponsible people will – and they’ll spread disinformation and perpetuate the negative attitudes we want to avoid. The conversation also turns to coercive pronatalism, a topic that may be new to some listeners. It’s surprisingly pervasive.  LINKS: 8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation - by Dave Gardner on Medium(we’ll post this link here later today)  World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? - new YouTube video by Dave Gardnerhttps://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc New Rule: Let the Population Collapse - Bill Maherhttps://youtu.be/HB97iwcm_Qc A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future - by Christopher Tuckerhttp://planet3billion.com/index.html  Bending the Curve by 2030: On the Path to a Population Safe Harbour - by Christopher Tuckerhttps://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515 We Know How Many People the Earth Can Support – by Christopher TuckerJournal of Population and Sustainability December 2020https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/657 How Many People Can the Earth Sustain? - The Stream on Al Jazeerah English  10/27/22https://youtu.be/EStNKj5WNnI Sustain What: How Many Billions Can a Heating, Pandemic-Wrapped Planet Support? - A Sustain What chat hosted by Earth Institute’s Andrew Revkinhttps://youtu.be/KkPIyR_SrO4 Decline and Prosper! Changing Global Birth Rates and the Advantages of Fewer Children(new book debunking aging and other depopulation fears)https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91611-4 Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology - by Nandita Bajaj https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology GrowthBusters Online Communityhttps://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - 2011 documentary by Dave Gardnerhttps://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie Global Footprint Network - data on biocapacity, ecological footprint and overshoothttps://www.footprintnetwork.org/  Give Us Feedback:  Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org  The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube  Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

While Elon Musk erroneously claims population collapse is our biggest worry, world population is hitting 8 billion, adding the latest billion faster than any time in history. The UN has declared world population will surpass 8 billion on November 15, 2022. We persist in adding about 80 million people to the planet every year, despite overwhelming evidence we’ve outgrown our planet. Christopher Tucker, author of A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future, joins Dave in a conversation intended to help cure the rampant overshoot illiteracy resulting from misguided silence on the subject. This illiteracy is demonstrated as Dave shares his new YouTube video (link below) about the 8 billion milestone. Tucker shares his disappointment in United Nations messaging around World Population Day (July 11) and the 8 billion milestone, and Dave turns his criticism up to eleven. He makes this important point about the silence on overshoot and overpopulation: If responsible people don’t talk about these issues, irresponsible people will – and they’ll spread disinformation and perpetuate the negative attitudes we want to avoid. The conversation also turns to coercive pronatalism, a topic that may be new to some listeners. It’s surprisingly pervasive.  LINKS: 8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation - by Dave Gardner on Medium(we’ll post this link here later today) World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? - new YouTube video by Dave Gardner<a href="https://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ncT-J5BsVuc</a> New Rule: Let the Population Collapse - Bill Maher<a href="https://youtu.be/HB97iwcm_Qc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/HB97iwcm_Qc</a> A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future - by Christopher Tucker<a href="http://planet3billion.com/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://planet3billion.com/index.html </a> Bending the Curve by 2030: On the Path to a Population Safe Harbour - by Christopher Tucker<a href="https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/761/515</a> We Know How Many People the Earth Can Support – by Christopher TuckerJournal of Population and Sustainability December 2020<a href="https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/657" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.whp-journals.co.uk/JPS/article/view/657</a> How Many People Can the Earth Sustain? - The Stream on Al Jazeerah English  10/27/22<a href="https://youtu.be/EStNKj5WNnI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/EStNKj5WNnI</a> Sustain What: How Many Billions Can a Heating, Pandemic-Wrapped Planet Support? - A Sustain What chat hosted by Earth Institute’s Andrew Revkin<a href="https://youtu.be/KkPIyR_SrO4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/KkPIyR_SrO4</a> <a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91611-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Decline and Prosper! Changing Global Birth Rates and the Advantages of Fewer Children</a>(new book debunking aging and other depopulation fears)<a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91611-4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91611-4</a> Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology - by Nandita Bajaj <a href="https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5709-dismissal-of-population-alarmism-is-rooted-in-pronatalist-ideology</a> GrowthBusters Online Community<a href="https://growthbusters.groups.io/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://growthbusters.groups.io/</a> GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - 2011 documentary by Dave Gardner<a href="https://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/growthbustersmovie</a> Global Footprint Network - data on biocapacity, ecological footprint and overshoot<a href="https://www.footprintnetwork.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.footprintnetwork.org/</a> Give Us Feedback: <ul> <li>Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400</li> <li>Send an email to podcast at <a href="http://growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">growthbusters.org</a></li> </ul> The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. <a href="%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/</a> <a href="https://carlosjones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carlosjones.com/</a> On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law &amp; Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> Make a donation to support this non-profit project. <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/</a> Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/</a> Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup</a> Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube</a> Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:

73 Eight Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation

Humankind has outgrown the planet, so we explore ways to recover from growth addiction. We dig into the more fascinating and hard-hitting aspects of public policy and the joy of living sustainably. It’s all about ending our culture’s love affair with “more,” which is not making us happier and is killing our planet. No half-hearted greenwashing here; we share the brutal and joyful truth! Co-host Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Learn more about the film at www.growthbustersmovie.org. Co-host Stephanie Gardner earned a masters degree in environmental law and policy, and has expertise and experience in sustainable energy.

This podcast is easy to understand and entertaining.   It addresses how much better the future will be for generations to come if we quit abusing the planet we depend on for survival.

Future of humanity

Consider nearly any issue of the environment, conflict, disease, resource depletion, global warming, and so on. Follow the issue to its roots and you&#39;ll find a belief that growth will solve almost anything -- economic growth, which people believe requires population growth.

We can talk about it or not. If we talk about it we have a chance to do something about it. So far almost no one talks about it. Dave Gardner and Growthbusters talks about it.

This is the podcast of the future. It will change how you see the world, your place in it, and how to act.

The essential topic to cover

Humankind has outgrown the planet, so we explore ways to recover from growth addiction. We dig into the more fascinating and hard-hitting aspects of public policy and the joy of living sustainably. It’s all about ending our culture’s love affair with “more,” which is not making us happier and is killing our planet. No half-hearted greenwashing here; we share the brutal and joyful truth! Co-host Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Learn more about the film at <a href="http://www.growthbustersmovie.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.growthbustersmovie.org</a>. Co-host Stephanie Gardner earned a masters degree in environmental law and policy, and has expertise and experience in sustainable energy.

GrowthBusters

“There are too many human beings, using too much, too fast.” Those are the words of Richard Heinberg in a controversial new documentary executive produced by Michael Moore. Planet of the Humans presents us with some inconvenient truths – far more inconvenient than just the greenhouse gas effect. Yet because the film skewers some renewable energy advocates for painting an overly rosy picture that’s not 100% accurate, there’s been a lot of backlash and effort to keep the film from being seen. In the film, director Jeff Gibbs notes: “It was becoming clear that what we had been calling green, renewable energy, and industrial civilization are one and the same – desperate measures not to save the planet, but to save our way of life.” We think the most important messages of the film are just too critical to avoid, so GrowthBusters teamed up with World Population Balance to co-host the webinar, Planet of the Humans: a Sequel. You can view a video replay of that webinar here. Or you can listen to the audio of the webinar in this episode of the GrowthBusters podcast. We just recorded a continuation of the panel discussion begun in that webinar. Watch for that as another episode of the podcast in the very near future. Subscribe to our email updates or the GrowthBusters YouTube channel to be notified immediately when that video is posted. LINKS: Planet of the Humans film Planet of the Humans: a Sequel webinar video replay World Population Balance One Planet, One Child Billboard Campaign Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Fact Check at Planet of the Humans Website Full and Sustainable Employment Act (post in Steady State Herald) The Real Green New Deal Project Green New Deal Panelists’ reviews of Planet of the Humans: The Inconvenient Truth of Planet of the Humans – by Dave Gardner Climate Crisis: Our Ecological Dysfunction Has a Marketing Problem (and it’s not Michael Moore) – by Kristine Mattis Planet of the Humans Puts Sacred Cows Out to Pasture – by Brian Czech Other Insightful Reviews: Sequence Matters – by Herman Daly Review: Planet of the Humans – by Richard Heinberg Crossroads for Planet of the Humans - by William Rees OTHER LINKS: Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of all episodes of the GrowthBusters podcast Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

“There are too many human beings, using too much, too fast.” Those are the words of Richard Heinberg in a controversial new documentary executive produced by Michael Moore. Planet of the Humans presents us with some inconvenient truths – far more inconvenient than just the greenhouse gas effect. Yet because the film skewers some renewable energy advocates for painting an overly rosy picture that’s not 100% accurate, there’s been a lot of backlash and effort to keep the film from being seen. In the film, director Jeff Gibbs notes: “It was becoming clear that what we had been calling green, renewable energy, and industrial civilization are one and the same – desperate measures not to save the planet, but to save our way of life.” We think the most important messages of the film are just too critical to avoid, so GrowthBusters teamed up with World Population Balance to co-host the webinar, Planet of the Humans: a Sequel. You can view a <a href="https://youtu.be/18wRbtEUJF0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">video replay of that webinar here</a>. Or you can listen to the audio of the webinar in this episode of the GrowthBusters podcast. We just recorded a continuation of the panel discussion begun in that webinar. Watch for that as another episode of the podcast in the very near future. <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe to our email updates</a> or the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters YouTube channel</a> to be notified immediately when that video is posted. LINKS: <a href="http://planetofthehumans.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Planet of the Humans film</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/18wRbtEUJF0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Planet of the Humans: a Sequel webinar</a> video replay <a href="http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">World Population Balance</a> <a href="http://www.oneplanetonechild.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">One Planet, One Child Billboard Campaign</a> <a href="http://www.Steadystate.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy</a> <a href="https://planetofthehumans.com/fact-check/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fact Check at Planet of the Humans Website</a> <a href="https://steadystate.org/a-post-covid-vision-the-full-and-sustainable-employment-act/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Full and Sustainable Employment Act</a> (post in Steady State Herald) <a href="https://www.realgnd.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Real Green New Deal Project</a> <a href="https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/gnd" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Green New Deal</a> Panelists’ reviews of Planet of the Humans: <a href="https://medium.com/@dave_38637/the-inconvenient-truth-of-planet-of-the-humans-c23769b2b499" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Inconvenient Truth of Planet of the Humans</a> – by Dave Gardner <a href="https://medium.com/@k_mattis/climate-crisis-940755bcdd2d" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Climate Crisis: Our Ecological Dysfunction Has a Marketing Problem (and it’s not Michael Moore)</a> – by Kristine Mattis <a href="https://steadystate.org/planet-of-the-humans-puts-sacred-cows-out-to-pasture/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Planet of the Humans Puts Sacred Cows Out to Pasture</a> – by Brian Czech Other Insightful Reviews: <a href="https://steadystate.org/sequence-matters-steady-state-herald/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sequence Matters</a> – by Herman Daly <a href="https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-04-27/review-planet-of-the-humans/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Review: Planet of the Humans</a> – by Richard Heinberg <a href="https://steadystate.org/crossroads-for-planet-of-the-humans/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Crossroads for Planet of the Humans</a> - by William Rees OTHER LINKS: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Join the conversation on Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Make a donation</a> to support this non-profit project. <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Archive of all episodes of the GrowthBusters podcast</a> <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates</a> <a href="http:www.growthbustersmovie.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">See the film</a> – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.growthbusters.org</a> View the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters channel</a> on YouTube Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

45 Planet of the Humans: What Did the Film Get Right?

New study reveals conceiving one fewer child eclipses all other CO2 reduction strategies. Why Japan’s birth dearth isn’t bad news. What countries are overpopulated? Should the overdeveloped world focus on cutting consumption or reducing births? Could we downshift to a simpler lifestyle? Family planning cuts in the U.S. and how that won’t reduce abortions. Reducing our footprint: are the small things worth doing? Kaitlyn’s pet peeve about veganism. Does peeing in the shower save water? The GrowthBusters team is Dave Gardner, Kaitlyn Hickmann and Ben Bacher. They bring you the latest thinking on living sustainably in a growth-addicted world. For more information, explore http://www.growthbusters.org.

New study reveals conceiving one fewer child eclipses all other CO2 reduction strategies. Why Japan’s birth dearth isn’t bad news. What countries are overpopulated? Should the overdeveloped world focus on cutting consumption or reducing births? Could we downshift to a simpler lifestyle? Family planning cuts in the U.S. and how that won’t reduce abortions. Reducing our footprint: are the small things worth doing? Kaitlyn’s pet peeve about veganism. Does peeing in the shower save water? The GrowthBusters team is Dave Gardner, Kaitlyn Hickmann and Ben Bacher. They bring you the latest thinking on living sustainably in a growth-addicted world. For more information, explore <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a>.

Welcome to GrowthBusters Podcast #1

Technological innovation cannot take the environmental destruction out of economic growth. Get the real facts, not the blind faith and hope, about whether “decoupling” can allow more and more “prosperity” for more and more people without also delivering more and more ecosystem collapse. Decoupling is Not a ThingIn this episode, Dave and Erika take serious exception to Andrew McAfee’s misguided thesis in his latest book, More from Less: The Surprising Story of How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources—and What Happens Next. Erika really likes Sam Harris’ podcast, Making Sense, but when it comes to his episode interviewing McAfee, Dave assures her it is utter nonsense. But first… Individual Action vs. Waiting for System ChangeDo individual actions really matter in the face of the climate crisis? Or are they a distraction from critically needed system change? Should we all be flying less, reducing our meat consumption, and/or having fewer children? Or do we wait until government regulations incentivize us to behave better? Erika and Dave agree with Greta Thunberg, but add a few more reasons to do the right thing, and do it now. They review a piece by BBC Chief Environment Consultant Justin Rowlatt that includes a conversation with Greta Thunberg, plus insights from Princeton University Professor Peter Singer (“the world's most influential living philosopher”) and Professor Kelly Fielding of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. These experts agree that our actions do matter, and we have an opportunity to be the change we want to see. Following Greta’s lead, we can and should signal to others with our actions, if we want to inspire the next environmental movement. Spoiler alert: Free will is real! Next… Can the Next President Get Us to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions?Presidential candidates are promising to deliver the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions targeted by the IPCC. Politicians’ climate policy platforms have been characterized as an “auction of promises,” by analysts. Are these promises realistic? Don’t get your hopes up. What will it really take to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050?  Would you believe we have to turn on 1500 new wind turbines every day, if we’re not going to give up our overconsuming ways and our quest for eternal economic growth? Good luck with that! Erika and Dave discuss some interesting analysis by Roger Pielke in Forbes. How to Be SustainableLast, but certainly not least, we have a quick chat with a hero at California State University Northridge. Lecturer Dev Vrat teaches classes in sustainability, and caught our attention with an excellent list of…wait for it…individual actions you can take to behave more sustainably. The list was created by his students and published in the student newspaper. We were particularly impressed that the list includes choosing to adopt rather than bring new children into the world.   LINKS: Climate Change Action: We Can't All be Greta, But Your Choices Have a Ripple Effect – BBC piece by Justin Rowlatt The Great Uncoupling- A Conversation with Andrew McAfee – Making Sense podcast How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources: The Very Nature of Technological Progress is Being Radically Transformed – book review Decoupling is Dead! Long Live Degrowth! – Resilience.org piece we recommend reading Study: Decoupling Debunked Net-Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions By 2050 Requires a New Nuclear Power Plant Every Day – by Roger Pielke How to be Sustainable – guide by CSUN Students 14 Mayors Commit to Slashing Meat Consumption in Major Cities Worldwide Planet of the Humans – new film Free Will Is Real – some recommended reading Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Support this Vital Work Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

Technological innovation cannot take the environmental destruction out of economic growth. Get the real facts, not the blind faith and hope, about whether “decoupling” can allow more and more “prosperity” for more and more people without also delivering more and more ecosystem collapse. Decoupling is Not a ThingIn this episode, Dave and Erika take serious exception to Andrew McAfee’s misguided thesis in his latest book, More from Less: The Surprising Story of How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources—and What Happens Next. Erika really likes Sam Harris’ podcast, Making Sense, but when it comes to his episode interviewing McAfee, Dave assures her it is utter nonsense. But first… Individual Action vs. Waiting for System ChangeDo individual actions really matter in the face of the climate crisis? Or are they a distraction from critically needed system change? Should we all be flying less, reducing our meat consumption, and/or having fewer children? Or do we wait until government regulations incentivize us to behave better? Erika and Dave agree with Greta Thunberg, but add a few more reasons to do the right thing, and do it now. They review a piece by BBC Chief Environment Consultant Justin Rowlatt that includes a conversation with Greta Thunberg, plus insights from Princeton University Professor Peter Singer (“the world's most influential living philosopher”) and Professor Kelly Fielding of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. These experts agree that our actions do matter, and we have an opportunity to be the change we want to see. Following Greta’s lead, we can and should signal to others with our actions, if we want to inspire the next environmental movement. Spoiler alert: Free will is real! Next… Can the Next President Get Us to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions?Presidential candidates are promising to deliver the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions targeted by the IPCC. Politicians’ climate policy platforms have been characterized as an “auction of promises,” by analysts. Are these promises realistic? Don’t get your hopes up. What will it really take to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050?  Would you believe we have to turn on 1500 new wind turbines every day, if we’re not going to give up our overconsuming ways and our quest for eternal economic growth? Good luck with that! Erika and Dave discuss some interesting analysis by Roger Pielke in Forbes. How to Be SustainableLast, but certainly not least, we have a quick chat with a hero at California State University Northridge. Lecturer Dev Vrat teaches classes in sustainability, and caught our attention with an excellent list of…wait for it…individual actions you can take to behave more sustainably. The list was created by his students and published in the student newspaper. We were particularly impressed that the list includes choosing to adopt rather than bring new children into the world. LINKS: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49756280" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Climate Change Action: We Can't All be Greta, But Your Choices Have a Ripple Effect</a> – BBC piece by Justin Rowlatt <a href="https://samharris.org/podcasts/170-great-uncoupling/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Great Uncoupling- A Conversation with Andrew McAfee</a> – Making Sense podcast <a href="https://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2019/10/11/how-we-learned-to-prosper-using-fewer-resources/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources:</a> The Very Nature of Technological Progress is Being Radically Transformed – book review <a href="https://www.resilience.org/stories/2019-07-26/decoupling-is-dead-long-live-degrowth/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Decoupling is Dead! Long Live Degrowth!</a> – <a href="http://Resilience.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Resilience.org</a> piece we recommend reading <a href="https://eeb.org/library/decoupling-debunked/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Study: Decoupling Debunked</a> <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerpielke/2019/09/30/net-zero-carbon-dioxide-emissions-by-2050-requires-a-new-nuclear-power-plant-every-day/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Net-Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions By 2050 Requires a New Nuclear Power Plant Every Day</a> – by Roger Pielke <a href="https://sundial.csun.edu/154870/opinions/how-to-be-sustainable/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How to be Sustainable</a> – guide by CSUN Students <a href="https://vegnews.com/2019/10/14-mayors-commit-to-slashing-meat-consumption-in-major-cities-worldwide" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">14 Mayors Commit to Slashing Meat Consumption in Major Cities Worldwide</a> <a href="http://planetofthehumans.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Planet of the Humans</a> – new film <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/free-will-is-real/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Free Will Is Real</a> – some recommended reading <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Support this Vital Work</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

35 Decoupling Nonsense

Are human beings too stupid to manage the planet? Just asking the question invokes some misplaced conceit; we’ve wreaked havoc on the Earth largely because of our assumption that Earth is all about us. The truth is, we have no business trying to “manage” the planet. But, the scale of the human enterprise has become so gargantuan, that – in many respects – we ARE managing the planet (managing it into oblivion). In the newest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast, we discuss a Raw Story interview with the great, great grandson of Charles Darwin. One of Chris Darwin’s thoughts is that we are poorly equipped to manage the planet. Of course he is right. Chris has launched an app called Darwin Challenge. He’s also focusing a lot of attention on the destructive, unsustainable nature of our appetite for meat. Listen to this episode of the podcast and find out what the GrowthBusters team thinks about managing the planet, the importance of veganism, and the role of human numbers in the sustainability of human civilization. In the process you’ll learn about a few cool apps, plus the role of batteries, cell phones and air conditioning in achieving a sustainable lifestyle. Share Your Opinion: I’d like to find out what you think we’re doing right on this podcast, and I’d like to know what bugs you, what you wish we’d do, or what you think we could do better. I invite you to join a one-time listener focus group, to share your thoughts. If you’d be willing to give us your opinion, please send an email to podcast@growthbusters.org and we’ll send you details on how you can participate. LINKS: Raw Story: Charles Darwin’s great-great-grandson reveals Earth is undergoing a catastrophe that barely anyone even knows about https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/charles-darwins-great-great-grandson-reveals-earth-undergoing-catastrophe-barely-anyone-even-knows/ The Darwin Challenge https://www.thedarwinchallenge.org/ Go Green &amp; Celebrate Nature With These 5 Apps https://play.google.com/store/apps/topic?id=editorial_environment_apps_us JouleBug app https://joulebug.com/ Transition Network https://transitionnetwork.org/ Transition United States http://www.transitionus.org/

Are human beings too stupid to manage the planet? Just asking the question invokes some misplaced conceit; we’ve wreaked havoc on the Earth largely because of our assumption that Earth is all about us. The truth is, we have no business trying to “manage” the planet. But, the scale of the human enterprise has become so gargantuan, that – in many respects – we ARE managing the planet (managing it into oblivion). In the newest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast, we discuss a Raw Story interview with the great, great grandson of Charles Darwin. One of Chris Darwin’s thoughts is that we are poorly equipped to manage the planet. Of course he is right. Chris has launched an app called Darwin Challenge. He’s also focusing a lot of attention on the destructive, unsustainable nature of our appetite for meat. Listen to this episode of the podcast and find out what the GrowthBusters team thinks about managing the planet, the importance of veganism, and the role of human numbers in the sustainability of human civilization. In the process you’ll learn about a few cool apps, plus the role of batteries, cell phones and air conditioning in achieving a sustainable lifestyle. Share Your Opinion: I’d like to find out what you think we’re doing right on this podcast, and I’d like to know what bugs you, what you wish we’d do, or what you think we could do better. I invite you to join a one-time listener focus group, to share your thoughts. If you’d be willing to give us your opinion, please send an email to podcast@growthbusters.org and we’ll send you details on how you can participate. LINKS: Raw Story: Charles Darwin’s great-great-grandson reveals Earth is undergoing a catastrophe that barely anyone even knows about <a href="https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/charles-darwins-great-great-grandson-reveals-earth-undergoing-catastrophe-barely-anyone-even-knows/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/charles-darwins-great-great-grandson-reveals-earth-undergoing-catastrophe-barely-anyone-even-knows/</a> The Darwin Challenge <a href="https://www.thedarwinchallenge.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thedarwinchallenge.org/</a> Go Green &amp; Celebrate Nature With These 5 Apps <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/topic?id=editorial_environment_apps_us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://play.google.com/store/apps/topic?id=editorial_environment_apps_us</a> JouleBug app <a href="https://joulebug.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://joulebug.com/</a> Transition Network <a href="https://transitionnetwork.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://transitionnetwork.org/</a> Transition United States <a href="http://www.transitionus.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.transitionus.org/</a>

#12: Are We Too Stupid to Manage the Planet?

In seven months humanity has burned through the resources it takes the Earth a full year to replenish. This is overshoot, and yes, it is a very big deal. In 2019, Earth Overshoot Day falls on July 29. Find out how we know when “Earth Overshoot Day” falls, how and why we’re operating in ecological deficit, what it means for us and our children, and what – if anything – we can do about it. Ecological footprint co-originator Mathis Wackernagel joins Erika and Dave for an in-depth discussion of overshoot. He explains the rigorous analysis done by the Global Footprint Network (which he founded) to calculate the biocapacity of the planet and the demands we place on it. Calculate your own ecological footprint using this footprint calculator and compare yours with Dave’s and Erika’s. We discuss much of the information and ideas in his new book, Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget, co-written with Bert Beyers (available September 3, 2019). One of the most interesting and important is the idea that governments at every level, including cities, that continue today to invest in infrastructure designed around fossil-fuel powered transportation, will not be competitive in the new world we’re entering. Plus: A new study claims cutting beef consumption by 40% will allow us to feed a world population of 10.9 billion people. Dave has a few problems with the reporting on this story and the rationale for doing the research. He suggests, “Let’s not put heroic efforts into feeding 10.9 billion. Let’s focus our efforts on not reaching 10.9 billion.” We know having fewer children doesn’t wreck the planet. We DON’T know the unintended consequences of the next “green revolution.” LINKS: Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget by Mathis Wackernagel and Bert Beyers (pre-order the book now, publication date is September 3, 2019) Cut Beef Consumption in Half to Help Save the Earth, Says New Study Creating a Sustainable Food Future: A Menu of Solutions to Feed Nearly 10 Billion People by 2050World Resources Institute report Footprint Calculator Move the Date Solutions to accelerate the shift to one-planet living   For further exploration: Overshoot Index (2016) Past Earth Overshoot Days   Mentioned or recommended by Wackernagel: The One Planet Life  by David Thorpe The Challenge of Man’s Future by Harrison Brown The Next Hundred Years: A Discussion Prepared for Leaders of American Industry published in 1957 by Harrison Brown, James Bonner, and John Weir Invisible Walls: Why We Ignore the Damage We Inflict on the Planet — and Ourselves by Peter Seidel (According to Wackernagel, “This was such a fabulous book; I believe the first ever to so clearly lay out the psychological and cultural barriers we are up against in the transformation to sustainability.”)   Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Support this Vital Work Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

In seven months humanity has burned through the resources it takes the Earth a full year to replenish. This is overshoot, and yes, it is a very big deal. In 2019, Earth Overshoot Day falls on July 29. Find out how we know when “Earth Overshoot Day” falls, how and why we’re operating in ecological deficit, what it means for us and our children, and what – if anything – we can do about it. Ecological footprint co-originator Mathis Wackernagel joins Erika and Dave for an in-depth discussion of overshoot. He explains the rigorous analysis done by the Global Footprint Network (which he founded) to calculate the biocapacity of the planet and the demands we place on it. Calculate your own ecological footprint using <a href="http://www.footprintcalculator.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">this footprint calculator</a> and compare yours with Dave’s and Erika’s. We discuss much of the information and ideas in his new book, Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget, co-written with Bert Beyers (available September 3, 2019). One of the most interesting and important is the idea that governments at every level, including cities, that continue today to invest in infrastructure designed around fossil-fuel powered transportation, will not be competitive in the new world we’re entering. Plus: A new study claims cutting beef consumption by 40% will allow us to feed a world population of 10.9 billion people. Dave has a few problems with the reporting on this story and the rationale for doing the research. He suggests, “Let’s not put heroic efforts into feeding 10.9 billion. Let’s focus our efforts on not reaching 10.9 billion.” We know having fewer children doesn’t wreck the planet. We DON’T know the unintended consequences of the next “green revolution.” LINKS: <a href="https://www.newsociety.com/Books/E/Ecological-Footprint" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget</a> by Mathis Wackernagel and Bert Beyers (pre-order the book now, publication date is September 3, 2019) <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/cut-beef-consumption-help-environment--2639232980.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cut Beef Consumption in Half to Help Save the Earth, Says New Study</a> <a href="https://wrr-food.wri.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Creating a Sustainable Food Future: A Menu of Solutions to Feed Nearly 10 Billion People by 2050</a>World Resources Institute report <a href="http://www.footprintcalculator.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Footprint Calculator</a> <a href="https://movethedate.overshootday.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Move the Date</a> Solutions to accelerate the shift to one-planet living For further exploration: <a href="https://populationmatters.org/sites/default/files/Population%20Matters%202016%20Overshoot%20index.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overshoot Index (2016)</a> <a href="https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/past-earth-overshoot-days/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Past Earth Overshoot Days</a> Mentioned or recommended by Wackernagel: <a href="https://davidthorpe.info/sustainability/the-one-planet-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The One Planet Life</a>  by David Thorpe <a href="https://openlibrary.org/works/OL6681606W/The_challenge_of_man's_future" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Challenge of Man’s Future</a> by Harrison Brown <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15409714-the-next-hundred-years" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Next Hundred Years: A Discussion Prepared for Leaders of American Industry</a> published in 1957 by Harrison Brown, James Bonner, and John Weir <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/511058.Invisible_Walls" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Invisible Walls: Why We Ignore the Damage We Inflict on the Planet — and Ourselves</a> by Peter Seidel (According to Wackernagel, “This was such a fabulous book; I believe the first ever to so clearly lay out the psychological and cultural barriers we are up against in the transformation to sustainability.”) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Support this Vital Work</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

31 We're in Deep: Earth Overshoot Day 2019

Did you know we are in overshoot? What does that mean, and what should we do about it? Also in this episode, which has a smaller footprint – milk, or milk alternatives like almond milk? Dana informs us that, “Eating food is one of the worst things you can do for the environment.” Are some health departments preventing bulk filling of reusable containers? Carrying reusable utensils and napkin on your travels. And choosing carefully the trash can in which to deposit your refuse. August 1, 2018 is Earth Overshoot Day. Data collected and analyzed by the Global Footprint Network tells us this is the date when humanity’s annual demand on nature begins to exceed what Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate in the entire year. If it falls anytime before December 31, it means we’re using more ecological resources and services than nature can regenerate - through activity like overfishing, overharvesting forests, and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than ecosystems can absorb. According to Global Footprint Network’s co-founder, Mathis Wackernagel, “Our current economies are running a Ponzi scheme with our planet…. We are borrowing the Earth’s future resources to operate our economies in the present. Like any Ponzi scheme, this works for some time. But as nations, companies, or households dig themselves deeper and deeper into debt, they eventually fall apart.” Dana and Dave interview random people to find out:  Are they aware of Earth Overshoot Day? Do they know we’re in overshoot and what that is? What are their ideas for delaying the date?  Check out our Overshoot Day interview video here. Please share it, and let us know what you’re doing to #movethedate. We welcome your comments, emails and tweets. And watch the GrowthBusters podcast Facebook page or Global Footprint Network’s page for the #MoveTheDate live stream on August 1 at noon U.S. Eastern Daylight Time. LINKS: Overshoot Day Website GrowthBusters Earth Overshoot Day Video Video: Earth Overshoot Day Falls on August 1, 2018 Footprint Data Solutions Share your actions Footprint calculator The Four Lifestyle Choices that Most Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (Lund University study) When It Comes to Nut Milk, What’s the Most Sustainable Option?  Is Almond Milk Bad for the Planet? Environmental &amp; Social Impacts of Soy Benefits of Pea Milk Drink Pea Milk and Save the World: But What If The Peas are Shipped from France?

Did you know we are in overshoot? What does that mean, and what should we do about it? Also in this episode, which has a smaller footprint – milk, or milk alternatives like almond milk? Dana informs us that, “Eating food is one of the worst things you can do for the environment.” Are some health departments preventing bulk filling of reusable containers? Carrying reusable utensils and napkin on your travels. And choosing carefully the trash can in which to deposit your refuse. August 1, 2018 is <a href="http://www.overshootday.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Overshoot Day</a>. Data collected and analyzed by the Global Footprint Network tells us this is the date when humanity’s annual demand on nature begins to exceed what Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate in the entire year. If it falls anytime before December 31, it means we’re using more ecological resources and services than nature can regenerate - through activity like overfishing, overharvesting forests, and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than ecosystems can absorb. According to Global Footprint Network’s co-founder, Mathis Wackernagel, “Our current economies are running a Ponzi scheme with our planet…. We are borrowing the Earth’s future resources to operate our economies in the present. Like any Ponzi scheme, this works for some time. But as nations, companies, or households dig themselves deeper and deeper into debt, they eventually fall apart.” Dana and Dave interview random people to find out: <ol> <li>Are they aware of Earth Overshoot Day?</li> <li>Do they know we’re in overshoot and what that is?</li> <li>What are their ideas for delaying the date?</li> </ol> Check out our <a href="https://youtu.be/Kfooegpo-Rg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overshoot Day interview video</a> here. Please share it, and let us know what you’re doing to #movethedate. We welcome your comments, emails and tweets. And watch the GrowthBusters podcast Facebook page or Global Footprint Network’s page for the #MoveTheDate live stream on August 1 at noon U.S. Eastern Daylight Time. LINKS: <a href="http://www.overshootday.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overshoot Day Website</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/Kfooegpo-Rg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters Earth Overshoot Day Video</a> Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/jgbY79Opn34" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Overshoot Day Falls on August 1, 2018</a> <a href="http://data.footprintnetwork.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Footprint Data</a> <a href="https://www.overshootday.org/solutions/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Solutions</a> <a href="https://www.overshootday.org/steps-to-movethedate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Share your actions</a> <a href="https://www.footprintcalculator.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Footprint calculator</a> <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/the-four-lifestyle-choices-that-most-reduce-your-carbon-footprint" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Four Lifestyle Choices that Most Reduce Your Carbon Footprint</a> (Lund University study) <a href="https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/most-sustainable-nut-milk/slide/3/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">When It Comes to Nut Milk, What’s the Most Sustainable Option?</a> <a href="https://treadingmyownpath.com/2017/04/20/is-almond-milk-bad-for-the-planet/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Is Almond Milk Bad for the Planet?</a> <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/our_work/food/agriculture/soy/impacts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Environmental &amp; Social Impacts of Soy</a> <a href="https://www.ripplefoods.com/healthy-environment/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Benefits of Pea Milk</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/25/pea-milk-non-dairy-ripple-france-environment" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Drink Pea Milk and Save the World: But What If The Peas are Shipped from France?</a>

#16 Earth Overshoot Day

More and more young women are declaring their intention not to conceive children. BirthStrike, Conceivable Future and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have all made headlines on this point. Erika and Dave unpack the issues surrounding womanhood without motherhood in this conversation with the author of the new book, Childfree by Choice, sociologist Amy Blackstone.  Amy is a professor of Sociology at the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at University of Maine. Her research into the childfree choice has appeared in a variety of academic and media sources including the New York Times, National Public Radio, and other national, regional, and international outlets. Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family &amp; Creating a New Age of Independence is a definitive investigation into the history and current growing movement of adults choosing to forgo parenthood: what it means for our society, economy, environment, perceived gender roles, and legacies, and how understanding and supporting all types of families can lead to positive outcomes for parents, non-parents, and children alike. Amy writes about her own experience as a childfree woman, as well as the stories of other childfree men and women, and uses academic research to shed light into the choice that remains culturally misunderstood. As more people are choosing to forgo parenthood today than ever before, it’s important to ask how this affects our society, economy, and environment. We dig deep into this topic and hear from Amy herself about whether she thinks we should keep having kids, and more about her view on the population-environment connection, an area Erika hopes to study in graduate school. Being childfree herself, Erika is a firm advocate, and hopes to add more positive attention to the childfree choice in the media as co-host for the GrowthBusters podcast and in her future research endeavors. Get Your Childfree Sticker! Wanting to make childfree and small-family decisions cool and a point of pride, Dave created small family stickers for you to put on the rear window of your car (a variation on the common stick figure families). Order yours here. Display it proudly to change the norm, making it “okay” to be childfree, even “cool.” Apply to be a Producer or Editor on the GrowthBusters PodcastWe need a little help cranking out episodes. If you have the skills, we definitely want to hear from you. If you just have the aptitude but interest in learning and helping, you could be a great candidate. Send us a note with a little bit about your skills, experience, availability and interest.   LINKS: Book Signing Event Schedule and Event Requests Will Not Having Children Save the Planet?The Stream on Al Jazeera English I Chose Not To Have Kids Because I’m Afraid For The Planet by Ash Sanders Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of IndependenceAmy’s new book What Gets Left Behind for Future Generations? Reproduction and the Environment in Spey Bay, ScotlandJournal of the Royal Anthropological Institute World Vasectomy Day Film: To Kid or Not to Kid  Further Reading: Keeping Families Small a Patriotic Act: ModiIndia Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges adoption of small families  I Had 2 Kids. Now I Work to Influence People Against Having Their Own It’s Given Me Freedom': Three Women on Being Childless by Choice Toward a Small Family Ethic by Travis Rieder   Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Support this Vital Work Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

More and more young women are declaring their intention not to conceive children. BirthStrike, Conceivable Future and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have all made headlines on this point. Erika and Dave unpack the issues surrounding womanhood without motherhood in this conversation with the author of the new book, Childfree by Choice, sociologist Amy Blackstone. Amy is a professor of Sociology at the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at University of Maine. Her research into the childfree choice has appeared in a variety of academic and media sources including the New York Times, National Public Radio, and other national, regional, and international outlets. Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family &amp; Creating a New Age of Independence is a definitive investigation into the history and current growing movement of adults choosing to forgo parenthood: what it means for our society, economy, environment, perceived gender roles, and legacies, and how understanding and supporting all types of families can lead to positive outcomes for parents, non-parents, and children alike. Amy writes about her own experience as a childfree woman, as well as the stories of other childfree men and women, and uses academic research to shed light into the choice that remains culturally misunderstood. As more people are choosing to forgo parenthood today than ever before, it’s important to ask how this affects our society, economy, and environment. We dig deep into this topic and hear from Amy herself about whether she thinks we should keep having kids, and more about her view on the population-environment connection, an area Erika hopes to study in graduate school. Being childfree herself, Erika is a firm advocate, and hopes to add more positive attention to the childfree choice in the media as co-host for the GrowthBusters podcast and in her future research endeavors. Get Your Childfree Sticker! <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/product-category/window-stickers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Wanting to make childfree and small-family decisions cool and a point of pride, Dave created small family stickers for you to put on the rear window of your car (a variation on the common stick figure families). <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/product-category/window-stickers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Order yours here</a>. Display it proudly to change the norm, making it “okay” to be childfree, even “cool.” Apply to be a Producer or Editor on the GrowthBusters PodcastWe need a little help cranking out episodes. If you have the skills, we definitely want to hear from you. If you just have the aptitude but interest in learning and helping, you could be a great candidate. <a href="mailto:podcast@growthbusters.org">Send us a note</a> with a little bit about your skills, experience, availability and interest.   LINKS: <a href="https://werenothavingababy.com/tour-events/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Book Signing Event Schedule and Event Requests</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/Nk2N3MRVrHA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Will Not Having Children Save the Planet?</a>The Stream on Al Jazeera English <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ashsanders/birth-strike-no-kids-climate-change-population" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">I Chose Not To Have Kids Because I’m Afraid For The Planet</a> by Ash Sanders <a href="https://werenothavingababy.com/buy-the-book/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence</a>Amy’s new book <a href="https://rai.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1467-9655.12451" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What Gets Left Behind for Future Generations? Reproduction and the Environment in Spey Bay, Scotland</a>Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute <a href="https://www.worldvasectomyday.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">World Vasectomy Day</a> Film: <a href="https://www.tokidornottokid.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">To Kid or Not to Kid</a> Further Reading: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/keeping-families-small-a-patriotic-act-modi-754632.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Keeping Families Small a Patriotic Act: Modi</a>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges adoption of small families <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/i-had-2-kids-now-i-work-to-convince-people-not-to-have-their-own_n_5d5317b7e4b05fa9df060586" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">I Had 2 Kids. Now I Work to Influence People Against Having Their Own</a> <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/it-s-given-me-freedom-three-women-on-being-childless-by-choice-20190814-p52h6v.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Given Me Freedom': Three Women on Being Childless by Choice</a> <a href="https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319338699" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Toward a Small Family Ethic</a> by Travis Rieder <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Support this Vital Work</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

34 Coming Out as Childfree

Since 1972, study after study, and report after report, has warned we are in overshoot – the sum total of human activity is too much for the Earth’s ecosystems to bear. Welcome to Overshoot explores overshoot’s causes, effects, and possible solutions, as well as some of the barriers to solving the problem. This is an in-depth follow up to episode 31 of the GrowthBusters podcast, which included a lengthy conversation with Mathis Wackernagel, co-originator of ecological footprint analysis and founder of Global Footprint Network. The best scientific estimates tell us human civilization is in overshoot. Were you aware of this? Do you know what overshoot is? This one-hour special is particularly relevant in the days leading up to, and immediately following, Earth Overshoot Day on July 29, 2019. Computer modeling by a team of MIT scientists in 1972 estimated the scale of human activity on the planet would cause systems to fail within a hundred years. Such failure is expected when humanity’s footprint on the planet consistently exceeds its carrying capacity. Since 1972, study after study, and report after report, has warned we are in overshoot – the sum total of human activity is too much for the Earth’s ecosystems to bear. Since 2003, scientists at Global Footprint Network have been analyzing UN data and satellite imagery to estimate the planet’s capacity to meet our needs (biocapacity), and humankind’s footprint - or demand (ecological footprint) - on that capacity. Their analysis suggests we have been in overshoot since about 1970. Welcome to Overshoot explores overshoot’s causes, effects, and possible solutions, as well as some of the barriers to solving the problem. Participants: Reported by: Dave Gardner Interviews: William Catton, author of Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change Brian Czech, author of Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution, and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Herman Daly, author of Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development Paul Ehrlich, Stanford Biologist, author of The Population Bomb Kerryn Higgs, author of Collision Course: Endless Growth on a Finite Planet Ian Johnson, former World Bank vice president, former secretary general of Club of Rome Bill McKibben, environmental journalist, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?, co-founder of 350.org. Dennis Meadows, lead scientist, The Limits to Growth Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics: 7 Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist William Rees, co-originator of ecological footprint analysis Bill Ryerson, President of Population Media Center and Chair of Population Institute Juliet Schor, Professor of Sociology at Boston University and author of Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth John Seager, CEO of Population Connection Gus Speth, former chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality Mathis Wackernagel, founder of Global Footprint Network and co-author of Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget Rex Weyler, environmental journalist   Links: Earth Overshoot Day The Limits to Growth Conversation Earth Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget by Mathis Wackernagel and Bert Beyers (pre-order the book now, publication date is September 3, 2019) Footprint Calculator Move the Date Solutions to accelerate the shift to one-planet living Overshoot Index Past Earth Overshoot Days   Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Support this Vital Work Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

Since 1972, study after study, and report after report, has warned we are in overshoot – the sum total of human activity is too much for the Earth’s ecosystems to bear. Welcome to Overshoot explores overshoot’s causes, effects, and possible solutions, as well as some of the barriers to solving the problem. This is an in-depth follow up to episode 31 of the GrowthBusters podcast, which included a lengthy conversation with Mathis Wackernagel, co-originator of ecological footprint analysis and founder of Global Footprint Network. The best scientific estimates tell us human civilization is in overshoot. Were you aware of this? Do you know what overshoot is? This one-hour special is particularly relevant in the days leading up to, and immediately following, Earth Overshoot Day on July 29, 2019. Computer modeling by a team of MIT scientists in 1972 estimated the scale of human activity on the planet would cause systems to fail within a hundred years. Such failure is expected when humanity’s footprint on the planet consistently exceeds its carrying capacity. Since 1972, study after study, and report after report, has warned we are in overshoot – the sum total of human activity is too much for the Earth’s ecosystems to bear. Since 2003, scientists at Global Footprint Network have been analyzing UN data and satellite imagery to estimate the planet’s capacity to meet our needs (biocapacity), and humankind’s footprint - or demand (ecological footprint) - on that capacity. Their analysis suggests we have been in overshoot since about 1970. Welcome to Overshoot explores overshoot’s causes, effects, and possible solutions, as well as some of the barriers to solving the problem. Participants: Reported by: Dave Gardner Interviews: William Catton, author of Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change Brian Czech, author of Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution, and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Herman Daly, author of Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development Paul Ehrlich, Stanford Biologist, author of The Population Bomb Kerryn Higgs, author of Collision Course: Endless Growth on a Finite Planet Ian Johnson, former World Bank vice president, former secretary general of Club of Rome Bill McKibben, environmental journalist, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?, co-founder of <a href="http://350.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">350.org</a>. Dennis Meadows, lead scientist, The Limits to Growth Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics: 7 Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist William Rees, co-originator of ecological footprint analysis Bill Ryerson, President of Population Media Center and Chair of Population Institute Juliet Schor, Professor of Sociology at Boston University and author of Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth John Seager, CEO of Population Connection Gus Speth, former chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality Mathis Wackernagel, founder of Global Footprint Network and co-author of Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget Rex Weyler, environmental journalist Links: <a href="https://www.overshootday.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Overshoot Day</a> <a href="http://donellameadows.org/the-limits-to-growth-now-available-to-read-online/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Limits to Growth</a> <a href="http://www.conversationearth.org/episode-list" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Conversation Earth</a> <a href="https://www.newsociety.com/Books/E/Ecological-Footprint" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget</a> by Mathis Wackernagel and Bert Beyers (pre-order the book now, publication date is September 3, 2019) <a href="http://www.footprintcalculator.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Footprint Calculator</a> <a href="https://movethedate.overshootday.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Move the Date</a> Solutions to accelerate the shift to one-planet living <a href="https://populationmatters.org/sites/default/files/Population%20Matters%202016%20Overshoot%20index.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overshoot Index</a> <a href="https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/past-earth-overshoot-days/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Past Earth Overshoot Days</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Support this Vital Work</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

32 Welcome to Overshoot: Have a Nice Day

How do we handle the despair of knowing we may not win this battle with climate change (which is really a battle with ourselves)? Should we keep fighting? And if we do, WHO needs to be making the drastic changes we know are needed to avoid the worst of climate change disaster? Is it you and me? The big corporations? Or is it our elected policymakers? Are we assuming too much personal responsibility for goosing climate change or not enough? Are we in such a dire situation that we shouldn’t even bother “greening” up our lives, because that is so far from enough? In this episode former UK Guardian columnist and author of All You Need is Less, Madeleine Sommerville, joins host Dave Gardner to ponder these questions. LINKS: Spaceship Earth Passenger Safety Briefing  (short GrowthBusters film) All You Need is Less (Madeleine Sommerville’s Guardian Column) All You Need is Less: The Eco-Friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity (Madeleine Sommerville’s book) In our conversation, Madeleine mentioned she felt she could only write so many times about buying green products. Well, what about NOT buying? The next day I read 5 Things You Need (No Purchase Required) To Go Zero Waste by Lindsay Miles (her blog is Treading My Own Path: Steps Toward a Sustainable Lifestyle. She’s written a few e-books, including Enough is Enough: 18 Ideas for Embracing a Life with Less Waste and Less Stuff, and Beginners Guide to Living with Less Plastic). Check it all out. Sweet Madeleine blog Neoliberalism has Conned Us into Fighting Climate Change as Individuals  by Martin Lukacs (The article Madeleine mentioned about the danger of assuming a lot of personal responsibility for climate change) How to Cope with the End of the World by Madeleine Sommerville You Are Stealing Our Future (15-year-old Greta Thunberg at COP24) Greta &amp; Svante Thunberg - Straight Talk (Discussion at COP24 with Greta Thunberg) To brush up on just how long some scientists have been trying to get the world into motion on greenhouse gas reduction, read: Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change by Nathaniel Rich

How do we handle the despair of knowing we may not win this battle with climate change (which is really a battle with ourselves)? Should we keep fighting? And if we do, WHO needs to be making the drastic changes we know are needed to avoid the worst of climate change disaster? Is it you and me? The big corporations? Or is it our elected policymakers? Are we assuming too much personal responsibility for goosing climate change or not enough? Are we in such a dire situation that we shouldn’t even bother “greening” up our lives, because that is so far from enough? In this episode former UK Guardian columnist and author of All You Need is Less, Madeleine Sommerville, joins host Dave Gardner to ponder these questions. LINKS: <a href="http://youtu.be/e5s1i7vTSXk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spaceship Earth Passenger Safety Briefing</a>  (short GrowthBusters film) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/series/all-you-need-is-less" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">All You Need is Less</a> (Madeleine Sommerville’s Guardian Column) <a href="https://allyouneedisless.ca/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">All You Need is Less: The Eco-Friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity</a> (Madeleine Sommerville’s book) In our conversation, Madeleine mentioned she felt she could only write so many times about buying green products. Well, what about NOT buying? The next day I read <a href="https://treadingmyownpath.com/2019/01/10/zero-waste-no-purchase-required/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">5 Things You Need (No Purchase Required) To Go Zero Waste</a> by Lindsay Miles (her blog is Treading My Own Path: Steps Toward a Sustainable Lifestyle. She’s written a few e-books, including Enough is Enough: 18 Ideas for Embracing a Life with Less Waste and Less Stuff, and Beginners Guide to Living with Less Plastic). Check it all out. <a href="http://www.sweetmadeleine.ca/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sweet Madeleine</a> blog <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2017/jul/17/neoliberalism-has-conned-us-into-fighting-climate-change-as-individuals" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Neoliberalism has Conned Us into Fighting Climate Change as Individuals</a>  by Martin Lukacs (The article Madeleine mentioned about the danger of assuming a lot of personal responsibility for climate change) <a href="http://www.sweetmadeleine.ca/2018/10/09/the-end-of-the-world/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How to Cope with the End of the World</a> by Madeleine Sommerville <a href="https://youtu.be/Xwnqy51BJNM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">You Are Stealing Our Future</a> (15-year-old Greta Thunberg at COP24) <a href="https://youtu.be/GiD04TRwebQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Greta &amp; Svante Thunberg - Straight Talk</a> (Discussion at COP24 with Greta Thunberg) To brush up on just how long some scientists have been trying to get the world into motion on greenhouse gas reduction, read: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/08/01/magazine/climate-change-losing-earth.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change</a> by Nathaniel Rich

23 What Do You Do When The End is Near?

There may be beer in your fridge when you open it, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t in the early stages of climate catastrophe. The crisis is now, this is a present threat, not a future threat, according to our guest on this episode, Jeff Nesbit. He compiled an attention-getting catalog of things unraveling around the planet in his book, This Is the Way the World Ends. Is Nesbit predicting the end of the world? Listen to this episode to find out. In their discussion of Jeff’s book and interview, Erika and Dave agree he places too much faith in technology and wish he shared their belief that changing individual behavior and contracting our population are both critical parts of limiting climate disruption. Erika has a great notion: there is a “sweet spot” between too much technology and not enough. And don’t get them started on economic growth (oops, too late!). PLUS:  Erika can’t help but laugh at a piece critical of ecological footprint accounting and Earth Overshoot Day, written by Michael Schellenberger of the Breakthrough Institute. Dave is not a fan. And listeners have been sending their recommendations for additions to our Overshoot Playlist: Top 10 Environmental Songs. We share three links below. Listen to the podcast episode that plays our top 10 songs here. LINKS: This Is the Way the World Ends by Jeff Nesbit Climate Nexus Small Family Stickers   Songs Recommended by Listeners to Our Overshoot Playlist Episode: Earth Song by Michael Jackson Earth by Lil Dicky Poi Dog Pondering, by "The Ancient Egyptians”    Overshoot Playlist: Top Environmental Songs playlist on YouTube GrowthBusters playlist on Spotify Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Support this Vital Work Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

There may be beer in your fridge when you open it, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t in the early stages of climate catastrophe. The crisis is now, this is a present threat, not a future threat, according to our guest on this episode, Jeff Nesbit. He compiled an attention-getting catalog of things unraveling around the planet in his book, This Is the Way the World Ends. Is Nesbit predicting the end of the world? Listen to this episode to find out. In their discussion of Jeff’s book and interview, Erika and Dave agree he places too much faith in technology and wish he shared their belief that changing individual behavior and contracting our population are both critical parts of limiting climate disruption. Erika has a great notion: there is a “sweet spot” between too much technology and not enough. And don’t get them started on economic growth (oops, too late!). PLUS:  Erika can’t help but laugh at a piece critical of ecological footprint accounting and Earth Overshoot Day, written by Michael Schellenberger of the Breakthrough Institute. Dave is not a fan. And listeners have been sending their recommendations for additions to our Overshoot Playlist: Top 10 Environmental Songs. We share three links below. Listen to the podcast episode that plays our <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/growthbusters/growthbusters-podcast-overshoot-playlist-top-10-environmental-songs/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">top 10 songs here</a>. LINKS: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40164947-this-is-the-way-the-world-ends" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">This Is the Way the World Ends</a> by Jeff Nesbit <a href="https://climatenexus.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Climate Nexus</a> <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/product-category/window-stickers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Small Family Stickers</a> Songs Recommended by Listeners to Our Overshoot Playlist Episode: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAi3VTSdTxU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Song</a> by Michael Jackson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvuN_WvF1to" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth</a> by Lil Dicky <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9EyYq1NcjQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Poi Dog Pondering</a>, by "The Ancient Egyptians”  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn8soDpwHB3HSuETzzb8ZC_ylk9g1tiGO" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overshoot Playlist: Top Environmental Songs playlist</a> on YouTube <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0sOpYgT6oaJnDYIodhEHgy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters playlist on Spotify</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Support this Vital Work</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

33 Is the End Near?

We should NOT be celebrating (or pursuing) 4.1% economic growth, according to co-host Dave Gardner. Listen to this podcast to find out why pursuing GDP growth today is suicidal. Also on tap, listener comments about Earth Overshoot Day (the subject of our last podcast), and more single-use plastics we want to avoid. Dave stumps us with this question: What single-use disposable item do we want to see used more widely? Try to guess before Dave gives you the answer halfway into this episode. In this episode we hear U.S. President Donald Trump brag about economic growth at a 4.1% annualized rate. Even his sharpest critics celebrate robust growth, as we hear from Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski on Morning Joe. Many economists responded to this news that they don’t think we can keep that growth rate up, but their reasons differ from Dave’s. On a finite planet, perpetual growth in economic throughput is impossible. Here’s the spreadsheet Dave discusses in this episode:  Forget an economy 1 million times the size of today’s, do you think one planet Earth can support even twice today’s level of resource extraction, energy use, and waste (including carbon) emissions?  Here's one of the GrowthBusters videos mentioned in which Dave gives away Endangered Species Condoms:  One of the Endangered Species Condoms packages courtesy of the Center for Biological Diversity:  Explore the relationship between economic growth and sustainability at these websites and books: Economics in a Full World by Herman Daly in Scientific American The Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Limits to Growth (1972 MIT Study) Degrowth Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train: Errant Economists, Shameful Spenders, and a Plan to Stop Them All Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources OTHER LINKS MENTIONED: Sustainability News+Views (newsletter we recommend) Laura Carroll (we mentioned her tweet and book) GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth (documentary Dave recommended - and directed!) The Single-Use Plastics You Never Thought About and 13 Simple SwapsBy Heidi Bischof on Medium Collapsible Straws: A collapsible straw to attach to keychain https://finalstraw.com/ (subscribe and order links don't seem to be working; we've reached out to see what's going on here) Another collapsible straw Endangered Species Condoms (Center for Biological Diversity)

We should NOT be celebrating (or pursuing) 4.1% economic growth, according to co-host Dave Gardner. Listen to this podcast to find out why pursuing GDP growth today is suicidal. Also on tap, listener comments about Earth Overshoot Day (the subject of our <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/earth-overshoot-day-podcast-episode-16/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">last podcast</a>), and more single-use plastics we want to avoid. Dave stumps us with this question: What single-use disposable item do we want to see used more widely? Try to guess before Dave gives you the answer halfway into this episode. In this episode we hear U.S. President Donald Trump brag about economic growth at a 4.1% annualized rate. Even his sharpest critics celebrate robust growth, as we hear from Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski on Morning Joe. Many economists responded to this news that they don’t think we can keep that growth rate up, but their reasons differ from Dave’s. On a finite planet, perpetual growth in economic throughput is impossible. Here’s the spreadsheet Dave discusses in this episode: Forget an economy 1 million times the size of today’s, do you think one planet Earth can support even twice today’s level of resource extraction, energy use, and waste (including carbon) emissions?  Here's one of the GrowthBusters videos mentioned in which Dave gives away Endangered Species Condoms: One of the Endangered Species Condoms packages courtesy of the Center for Biological Diversity: Explore the relationship between economic growth and sustainability at these websites and books: <a href="http://steadystate.org/wp-content/uploads/Daly_SciAmerican_FullWorldEconomics(1).pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Economics in a Full World</a> by Herman Daly in Scientific American <a href="http://www.steadystate.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy</a> <a href="http://donellameadows.org/the-limits-to-growth-now-available-to-read-online/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Limits to Growth</a> (1972 MIT Study) <a href="https://degrowth.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Degrowth</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144750.Shoveling_Fuel_for_a_Runaway_Train" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train: Errant Economists, Shameful Spenders, and a Plan to Stop Them All</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16057534-supply-shock" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15814047-enough-is-enough" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources</a> OTHER LINKS MENTIONED: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/366c7d05e8e9/earth-overshoot-day-2018" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sustainability News+Views</a> (newsletter we recommend) <a href="https://www.lauracarroll.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Laura Carroll</a> (we mentioned her tweet and book) <a href="http://www.growthbustersmovie.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth</a> (documentary Dave recommended - and directed!) <a href="https://medium.com/@heidi_bischof/the-single-use-plastics-you-never-thought-about-and-13-simple-swaps-8f25df39019b" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Single-Use Plastics You Never Thought About and 13 Simple Swaps</a>By Heidi Bischof on Medium Collapsible Straws: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ECO-PRODUCT-Collapsible-Portable-Reusable-Non-disposable/dp/B07FJVVWKS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A collapsible straw to attach to keychain</a> <a href="https://finalstraw.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://finalstraw.com/</a> (subscribe and order links don't seem to be working; we've reached out to see what's going on here) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DZVLVV2/ref=pd_luc_rh_sspa_dk_huc_pt_sub_0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Another collapsible straw</a> <a href="https://www.endangeredspeciescondoms.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Endangered Species Condoms</a> (Center for Biological Diversity)

#17 Trump Can't Keep It Up (Economic Growth)

Is there any use in choosing to live more sustainably if you’re surrounded by an unsustainable system? There are those who argue there is little value in making efforts to trim your own ecological footprint. They lament, “It’s difficult to skinny up your life when you live within a system that needs structural change,” built to drive itself off a cliff. The GrowthBusters disagree. But who can you turn to for good advice on this? An astrophysicist, of course! We’re joined in this episode by NYU professor Joshua Spodek. Yes, he has a degree in astrophysics, but these days he’s busy teaching and coaching leadership and entrepreneurship, doing TEDx talks, authoring best-selling books, blogging daily, and hosting his own podcast. It takes Joshua a year to accumulate a load of trash, and he hasn’t hopped on a plane in four years. So when it comes to both the joy, and the value, of individual planet-saving action, Josh is our guy. Here is the complete email from Rob Boman in Oregon (we shared a portion of it on the podcast) Links promised are below this. Hello, I just listened to podcast #35 (uncoupling nonsense). I could send a lot of stuff and I’m in the process of developing a website, but for now, you might find this interesting: I call it The Fifteen Criteria Points of Genuine, Meaningful Sustainability Thanks for your work, Robert Bolman 1) What people commonly refer to as “sustainability” is not truly sustainable. For example, people will refer to “sustainably harvested lumber”. Lumber may be harvested in a manner that is not destructive of forest ecosystems, but in order for lumber to be sustainably harvested, not only would the chainsaws and logging trucks need to be running on something other than fossil fuels, but the chainsaws and logging trucks would need to be MANUFACTURED using something other than fossil fuels. When you consider the amount of energy required to make a large metal object like a logging truck, it is clear that even Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber is far from sustainable 2) Genuine, meaningful sustainability is defined by a rigorous set of criteria including, but not limited to the use of nonrenewable resources and the impossibility of infinite growth on a finite planet. 3) It therefore follows that achieving genuine, meaningful sustainability is a dauntingly complex, remote, far-flung ideal. It will be VERY difficult to achieve. 4) As difficult as it may be, genuine, meaningful sustainability WILL be achieved because to do anything less is unsustainable. Whatever the human family fails to do voluntarily, we WILL do involuntarily. It is possible that we will become a sustainable, advanced, complex civilization. On the other hand, dust blowing on the wind is sustainable. 5) The longer we wait, the longer we procrastinate, delay and make excuses, the more wrenching and traumatic the transition to sustainability will be. We are squandering precious time and resources presently. We have used up approximately half of our one-time geological allotment of fossil fuels. The remaining half will be increasingly more expensive and energy intensive to extract. We should be feverishly using the remaining half to construct the post-fossil fuel infrastructure that we will need. This is especially the case when considering Climate Change. Fully preparing for life without fossil fuels could take decades. Also, it is not at all clear just HOW everything we do with fossil fuels can be accomplished with wind, solar and biofuels. The time to begin that transition is NOT when the fossil fuels are dwindling and the economy is collapsing. 6) Growth is unsustainable. Period. Within a closed, finite system like a petri dish, an island or a planet, growth of the physical environment cannot be continued. Thus, mainstream economics with its emphasis on perpetual growth is quite misguided and unsustainable. (The joke goes that an economist is someone who believes that given sufficient water and fertilizer, a tree can grow to be 100 miles tall.) 7) The best efforts at sustainability will be in vain if population isn’t addressed. It has been consistently shown that the best way to encourage poorer populations to have fewer children is to provide them with education, health care and a more humane quality of life, generally. Therefore, arguably, the extremely poor distribution of the world’s wealth is unsustainable. 8) When the consequences of a given action are not fully understood, it is best to err on the side of caution. This is called The Precautionary Principle and if so called “conservatives” were genuinely conservative, it would be the bedrock of their philosophy. It is safe, prudent and truly conservative. When looked at in the context of genuine, meaningful sustainability, so called “conservatives” are not conservative at all. They are radical, cavalier and dangerous. 9). Carrying on with business-as-usual, assuming that technology will emerge to save us is optimistic to the point of irresponsibility. This is a good place to invoke The Precautionary Principle. No doubt new technologies will emerge to help us through the coming transition to sustainability, but we are facing some    serious challenges and there is no guarantee that technology will make this an easy transition. Technological optimism IS NOT a sound basis for public policy. 10) Human labor is environmentally neutral. So, wherever any toxic, energy intensive industrial or agricultural practice can be replaced with a different process using human labor, that’s what we should do. Seen in the context of the approaching depletion of fossil fuels, we perhaps don’t need to worry about unemployment. There will be plenty of work for people to do. 11) In order for market forces to govern a sustainable world, environmental and social costs must be accounted for. The way mainstream economists view the world, countless true environmental and social costs are nonchalantly brushed aside – dismissed as “externalities”. Then, with a straight face, these same economists insist that the “wise and invisible hand of the free market” should be allowed to decide things for us. We might as well have a chimpanzee with a Ouija board making some of society’s more important decisions. It’s absurd. For example, if the true environmental and social costs of fossil fuels were accounted for, they would be far more expensive and we would be living in a very different world with dramatically different transportation, land use, manufacturing and agriculture. 12) So many powerful economic interests make so much money from such unsustainable business practices and so many people enjoy such great levels of comfort, convenience and entertainment through such unsustainable means that achieving genuine, meaningful sustainability will be very upsetting to a lot of people. In other words, the necessary and inevitable changes are gonna PISS PEOPLE OFF. 13) Therefore, in order to achieve genuine, meaningful sustainability, those in positions of power must carry out dramatic, sweeping changes for which there may not yet be widespread, popular support. The practice of politicians tiptoeing around, reluctant to upset people must end. True leaders must be ready to say, “Here’s what we’re gonna do. Here’s why. And this pallet of document boxes is the scientific research supporting our decision, so please stop shouting and start reading.” 14) It follows that in order to achieve widespread, popular support for sustainability, the public must be educated – a task too important to be left to the mainstream media &amp; “education” as it commonly exists. Corporate lawyers should not earn ten times the income of a public school teacher. Rather than cutting funding for National Public Radio and Television, funding should be dramatically increased with the condition that all corporate underwriting be eliminated. We should consider a national public print media to provide an alternative to the New York Times and Washington Post. 15) In order to function better as a species, human beings must develop an enhanced faculty of discernment whereby we will tend to believe what is true as distinct from believing what happens to be convenient. It has been articulated by people ranging from Albert Einstein to Shirley MacLane that HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS MUST CHANGE for the world’s problems to be resolved, but this idea is viewed as being vague or abstract – better discussed by philosophers and psychologists than by policy makers. But there is nothing vague or abstract about the DENIAL, DELUSION and sometimes SOCIOPATHIC BEHAVIOR being exhibited by those in positions of power in the world. The hierarchies of power don’t groom and condition the finest people among us to rise to the positions of leadership. In order to achieve and thrive in positions of power, people often find it necessary to embrace a deeply flawed view of reality. Or in many cases, sociopathic behavior can serve those in power very nicely as they dig, claw, kick and gouge their way to the top. This is how politicians and corporate executives wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, genuinely believe that their behavior is acceptable and then spend their days doing a gross disservice to future generations. It is high time we bring the full weight of modern psychology to bear on those running the world. LINKS: (We didn’t get around to discussing all these, but we want to share them with you, anyway.) Joshua Spodek website Leadership and the Environment (Joshua Spodek’s podcast) Dave Gardner episodes of Leadership and the Environment What everyone Gets Wrong About the Environment – TEDx Talk by Joshua Spodek Find Your Delicious: Leadership and the Environment – TEDx Talk by Joshua Spodek Joshua Spodek on flying: What a Year Without Flying Taught Me About Responsibility, Empathy, and Community – in Inc. Magazine Covid-19: Addiction to Flying and Other Polluting Behavior Was a Lack of Motivation and Imagination Year 4, Day 1 of Not Flying The Longer I Go Without Flying, the More People Talking About Flying Sounds Like They’re Talking About Heroin The Longer I Go Without Flying, the More People Talking About Flying Sounds Like They’re Talking About Heroin, Part 2 Joshua’s 20-Minute Vegetable Stew A Christmas Thought on Climate and Population - by Joshua Spodek Towards the 'Walden Wage” Waiting for the World to End - by The Mavericks Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of all episodes of the GrowthBusters podcast Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

Is there any use in choosing to live more sustainably if you’re surrounded by an unsustainable system? There are those who argue there is little value in making efforts to trim your own ecological footprint. They lament, “It’s difficult to skinny up your life when you live within a system that needs structural change,” built to drive itself off a cliff. The GrowthBusters disagree. But who can you turn to for good advice on this? An astrophysicist, of course! We’re joined in this episode by NYU professor Joshua Spodek. Yes, he has a degree in astrophysics, but these days he’s busy teaching and coaching leadership and entrepreneurship, doing TEDx talks, authoring best-selling books, blogging daily, and hosting his own podcast. It takes Joshua a year to accumulate a load of trash, and he hasn’t hopped on a plane in four years. So when it comes to both the joy, and the value, of individual planet-saving action, Josh is our guy. Here is the complete email from Rob Boman in Oregon (we shared a portion of it on the podcast) Links promised are below this. Hello, I just listened to podcast #35 (uncoupling nonsense). I could send a lot of stuff and I’m in the process of developing a website, but for now, you might find this interesting: I call it The Fifteen Criteria Points of Genuine, Meaningful Sustainability Thanks for your work, Robert Bolman 1) What people commonly refer to as “sustainability” is not truly sustainable. For example, people will refer to “sustainably harvested lumber”. Lumber may be harvested in a manner that is not destructive of forest ecosystems, but in order for lumber to be sustainably harvested, not only would the chainsaws and logging trucks need to be running on something other than fossil fuels, but the chainsaws and logging trucks would need to be MANUFACTURED using something other than fossil fuels. When you consider the amount of energy required to make a large metal object like a logging truck, it is clear that even Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber is far from sustainable 2) Genuine, meaningful sustainability is defined by a rigorous set of criteria including, but not limited to the use of nonrenewable resources and the impossibility of infinite growth on a finite planet. 3) It therefore follows that achieving genuine, meaningful sustainability is a dauntingly complex, remote, far-flung ideal. It will be VERY difficult to achieve. 4) As difficult as it may be, genuine, meaningful sustainability WILL be achieved because to do anything less is unsustainable. Whatever the human family fails to do voluntarily, we WILL do involuntarily. It is possible that we will become a sustainable, advanced, complex civilization. On the other hand, dust blowing on the wind is sustainable. 5) The longer we wait, the longer we procrastinate, delay and make excuses, the more wrenching and traumatic the transition to sustainability will be. We are squandering precious time and resources presently. We have used up approximately half of our one-time geological allotment of fossil fuels. The remaining half will be increasingly more expensive and energy intensive to extract. We should be feverishly using the remaining half to construct the post-fossil fuel infrastructure that we will need. This is especially the case when considering Climate Change. Fully preparing for life without fossil fuels could take decades. Also, it is not at all clear just HOW everything we do with fossil fuels can be accomplished with wind, solar and biofuels. The time to begin that transition is NOT when the fossil fuels are dwindling and the economy is collapsing. 6) Growth is unsustainable. Period. Within a closed, finite system like a petri dish, an island or a planet, growth of the physical environment cannot be continued. Thus, mainstream economics with its emphasis on perpetual growth is quite misguided and unsustainable. (The joke goes that an economist is someone who believes that given sufficient water and fertilizer, a tree can grow to be 100 miles tall.) 7) The best efforts at sustainability will be in vain if population isn’t addressed. It has been consistently shown that the best way to encourage poorer populations to have fewer children is to provide them with education, health care and a more humane quality of life, generally. Therefore, arguably, the extremely poor distribution of the world’s wealth is unsustainable. 8) When the consequences of a given action are not fully understood, it is best to err on the side of caution. This is called The Precautionary Principle and if so called “conservatives” were genuinely conservative, it would be the bedrock of their philosophy. It is safe, prudent and truly conservative. When looked at in the context of genuine, meaningful sustainability, so called “conservatives” are not conservative at all. They are radical, cavalier and dangerous. 9). Carrying on with business-as-usual, assuming that technology will emerge to save us is optimistic to the point of irresponsibility. This is a good place to invoke The Precautionary Principle. No doubt new technologies will emerge to help us through the coming transition to sustainability, but we are facing some    serious challenges and there is no guarantee that technology will make this an easy transition. Technological optimism IS NOT a sound basis for public policy. 10) Human labor is environmentally neutral. So, wherever any toxic, energy intensive industrial or agricultural practice can be replaced with a different process using human labor, that’s what we should do. Seen in the context of the approaching depletion of fossil fuels, we perhaps don’t need to worry about unemployment. There will be plenty of work for people to do. 11) In order for market forces to govern a sustainable world, environmental and social costs must be accounted for. The way mainstream economists view the world, countless true environmental and social costs are nonchalantly brushed aside – dismissed as “externalities”. Then, with a straight face, these same economists insist that the “wise and invisible hand of the free market” should be allowed to decide things for us. We might as well have a chimpanzee with a Ouija board making some of society’s more important decisions. It’s absurd. For example, if the true environmental and social costs of fossil fuels were accounted for, they would be far more expensive and we would be living in a very different world with dramatically different transportation, land use, manufacturing and agriculture. 12) So many powerful economic interests make so much money from such unsustainable business practices and so many people enjoy such great levels of comfort, convenience and entertainment through such unsustainable means that achieving genuine, meaningful sustainability will be very upsetting to a lot of people. In other words, the necessary and inevitable changes are gonna PISS PEOPLE OFF. 13) Therefore, in order to achieve genuine, meaningful sustainability, those in positions of power must carry out dramatic, sweeping changes for which there may not yet be widespread, popular support. The practice of politicians tiptoeing around, reluctant to upset people must end. True leaders must be ready to say, “Here’s what we’re gonna do. Here’s why. And this pallet of document boxes is the scientific research supporting our decision, so please stop shouting and start reading.” 14) It follows that in order to achieve widespread, popular support for sustainability, the public must be educated – a task too important to be left to the mainstream media &amp; “education” as it commonly exists. Corporate lawyers should not earn ten times the income of a public school teacher. Rather than cutting funding for National Public Radio and Television, funding should be dramatically increased with the condition that all corporate underwriting be eliminated. We should consider a national public print media to provide an alternative to the New York Times and Washington Post. 15) In order to function better as a species, human beings must develop an enhanced faculty of discernment whereby we will tend to believe what is true as distinct from believing what happens to be convenient. It has been articulated by people ranging from Albert Einstein to Shirley MacLane that HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS MUST CHANGE for the world’s problems to be resolved, but this idea is viewed as being vague or abstract – better discussed by philosophers and psychologists than by policy makers. But there is nothing vague or abstract about the DENIAL, DELUSION and sometimes SOCIOPATHIC BEHAVIOR being exhibited by those in positions of power in the world. The hierarchies of power don’t groom and condition the finest people among us to rise to the positions of leadership. In order to achieve and thrive in positions of power, people often find it necessary to embrace a deeply flawed view of reality. Or in many cases, sociopathic behavior can serve those in power very nicely as they dig, claw, kick and gouge their way to the top. This is how politicians and corporate executives wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, genuinely believe that their behavior is acceptable and then spend their days doing a gross disservice to future generations. It is high time we bring the full weight of modern psychology to bear on those running the world. LINKS: (We didn’t get around to discussing all these, but we want to share them with you, anyway.) <a href="http://joshuaspodek.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Joshua Spodek website</a> <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/podcast" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Leadership and the Environment</a> (Joshua Spodek’s podcast) <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/guests/dave-gardner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Gardner episodes of Leadership and the Environment</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/sTYiHr1lu10" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What everyone Gets Wrong About the Environment</a> – TEDx Talk by Joshua Spodek <a href="https://youtu.be/Qb3nwRZmKBo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Find Your Delicious: Leadership and the Environment</a> – TEDx Talk by Joshua Spodek Joshua Spodek on flying: <a href="https://www.inc.com/joshua-spodek/365-days-without-flying.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What a Year Without Flying Taught Me About Responsibility, Empathy, and Community</a> – in Inc. Magazine <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/covid-19-addiction-to-flying-and-other-polluting-behavior-was-a-lack-of-motivation-and-imagination" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Covid-19: Addiction to Flying and Other Polluting Behavior Was a Lack of Motivation and Imagination</a> <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/year-4-day-1-of-not-flying" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Year 4, Day 1 of Not Flying</a> <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/longer-flying-people-talking-flying" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Longer I Go Without Flying, the More People Talking About Flying Sounds Like They’re Talking About Heroin</a> <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/the-longer-i-go-without-flying-the-more-people-talking-about-flying-sounds-like-theyre-talking-about-heroin-part-2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Longer I Go Without Flying, the More People Talking About Flying Sounds Like They’re Talking About Heroin, Part 2</a> <a href="https://joshuaspodek.com/20-minute-vegetable-stew" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Joshua’s 20-Minute Vegetable Stew</a> <a href="http://joshuaspodek.com/a-christmas-thought-on-population-and-climate" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Christmas Thought on Climate and Population</a> - by Joshua Spodek <a href="https://theecologist.org/2020/mar/04/towards-walden-wage" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Towards the 'Walden Wage”</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/lYt9yEpv6d4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Waiting for the World to End</a> - by The Mavericks <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Join the conversation on Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Make a donation</a> to support this non-profit project. <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Archive of all episodes of the GrowthBusters podcast</a> <a href="https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates</a> <a href="http:www.growthbustersmovie.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">See the film</a> – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.growthbusters.org</a> View the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Growthbuster" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters channel</a> on YouTube Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

44 Just Sitting Around Waiting for the World to End

Are children bad for the health of the planet, and therefore human civilization? Should we stop making them? Or do we need to step it up and make lots more than we’re currently making (does anyone have a good recipe)? Or does the intelligent answer lie somewhere in-between? The GrowthBusters podcast team doesn’t shy away from tough topics when the fate of human civilization hangs in the balance. In this episode, Ben, Kaitlyn and Dave discuss recent news headlines about fertility rates and offer their opinions on the views of Matt Lewis (The Daily Beast) and Travis Rieder (Berman Institute of Bioethics). Over 15,000 of the world’s scientists also weigh in. Here are links promised during the conversation: Travis Rieder piece at NBC News Digital: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/science-proves-kids-are-bad-earth-morality-suggests-we-stop-ncna820781 Matt Lewis piece at The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-fertility-rate-is-way-down-and-yes-thats-a-huge-problem World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity – A Second Notice: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/doi/10.1093/biosci/bix125/4605229

Are children bad for the health of the planet, and therefore human civilization? Should we stop making them? Or do we need to step it up and make lots more than we’re currently making (does anyone have a good recipe)? Or does the intelligent answer lie somewhere in-between? The GrowthBusters podcast team doesn’t shy away from tough topics when the fate of human civilization hangs in the balance. In this episode, Ben, Kaitlyn and Dave discuss recent news headlines about fertility rates and offer their opinions on the views of Matt Lewis (The Daily Beast) and Travis Rieder (Berman Institute of Bioethics). Over 15,000 of the world’s scientists also weigh in. Here are links promised during the conversation: Travis Rieder piece at NBC News Digital: <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/science-proves-kids-are-bad-earth-morality-suggests-we-stop-ncna820781" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/science-proves-kids-are-bad-earth-morality-suggests-we-stop-ncna820781</a> Matt Lewis piece at The Daily Beast: <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-fertility-rate-is-way-down-and-yes-thats-a-huge-problem" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-fertility-rate-is-way-down-and-yes-thats-a-huge-problem</a> World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity – A Second Notice: <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/doi/10.1093/biosci/bix125/4605229" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/doi/10.1093/biosci/bix125/4605229</a>

More Kids, Fewer Kids, or No Kids?

The Colorado River rarely flows all the way to its delta, and the state of Colorado has determined demand for water will far outstrip supply if anticipated population growth continues. Yet the state advertises for people and companies to move to Colorado. The GrowthBusters team discusses this with Gary Wockner, executive director of Save the Colorado. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has been one of the most pro-growth governors the state has had, in Wockner’s view. But no one is willing to talk about the population growth issue. Wockner raises the issue of having growth pay its way. He shares how a statewide tax being considered to fund water projects is actually a growth subsidy. Growth addiction and our predilection to dam rivers are also on tap. Also: Global Footprint Network’s new footprint calculator. How small does your ecological footprint need to be if you want to use no more than your share of the Earth’s biocapacity? Follow GrowthBusters on Facebook and at http://www.growthbusters.org

The Colorado River rarely flows all the way to its delta, and the state of Colorado has determined demand for water will far outstrip supply if anticipated population growth continues. Yet the state advertises for people and companies to move to Colorado. The GrowthBusters team discusses this with Gary Wockner, executive director of Save the Colorado. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has been one of the most pro-growth governors the state has had, in Wockner’s view. But no one is willing to talk about the population growth issue. Wockner raises the issue of having growth pay its way. He shares how a statewide tax being considered to fund water projects is actually a growth subsidy. Growth addiction and our predilection to dam rivers are also on tap. Also: Global Footprint Network’s new footprint calculator. How small does your ecological footprint need to be if you want to use no more than your share of the Earth’s biocapacity? Follow GrowthBusters on Facebook and at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a>

Water Insanity in the West & Sustainable Ecological Footprint

When you think of laundry, typically you’re after the whitest whites, and no shrinkage. How about we think outside the box and “green” our laundry practices by shrinking their footprint? This episode answers your questions and offers advice on how to minimize the environmental impact of washing your clothes. Also an often forgotten, but important aspect, of making recycling work. Did you know 75 to 90 percent of the energy your washer uses goes to warming up the water? You can save $60 or more per year on your energy bill by washing in cold water, according to Consumer Reports. But not all laundry detergents work well in cold water. We address that in this episode and offer additional information in the links below. LINKS: Heidi Bischof’s Earth Ethic blog at Medium   After recording this podcast, Heidi found this indicating laundry pods are probably safe for people and planet: Detergent Pods are Handy, but Can I Use Them With a Clean Conscience? – Grist’s Ask Umbra   Also, here’s a related tip not discussed in the podcast: Washing your dishes by hand probably wastes water! Why You Should Never Wash Dishes by Hand   Two products designed to capture plastic microfibers in our washing machines: The Cora Ball Guppyfriend Washing Bag   Essential Working Group Guide to Laundry Detergents Why Are You Still Washing Your Clothes In Warm Water? 6 Reasons to Cold-Water Wash 9 Ways to Save Energy Doing Laundry The Best Laundry Detergent

When you think of laundry, typically you’re after the whitest whites, and no shrinkage. How about we think outside the box and “green” our laundry practices by shrinking their footprint? This episode answers your questions and offers advice on how to minimize the environmental impact of washing your clothes. Also an often forgotten, but important aspect, of making recycling work. Did you know 75 to 90 percent of the energy your washer uses goes to warming up the water? You can save $60 or more per year on your energy bill by washing in cold water, according to Consumer Reports. But not all laundry detergents work well in cold water. We address that in this episode and offer additional information in the links below. LINKS: <a href="https://medium.com/@heidi_bischof" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heidi Bischof’s Earth Ethic blog at Medium</a> After recording this podcast, Heidi found this indicating laundry pods are probably safe for people and planet: <a href="https://grist.org/living/detergent-pods-are-handy-but-i-can-use-them-with-a-clean-conscience/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Detergent Pods are Handy, but Can I Use Them With a Clean Conscience?</a> – Grist’s Ask Umbra Also, here’s a related tip not discussed in the podcast: Washing your dishes by hand probably wastes water! <a href="https://clark.com/family-lifestyle/why-you-should-never-wash-dishes-by-hand/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Why You Should Never Wash Dishes by Hand</a> Two products designed to capture plastic microfibers in our washing machines: <a href="https://coraball.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Cora Ball</a> <a href="http://guppyfriend.com/en/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Guppyfriend Washing Bag</a> <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/9-Laundry" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Essential Working Group Guide to Laundry Detergents</a> <a href="https://io9.gizmodo.com/why-are-you-still-washing-your-clothes-in-warm-water-1706931003" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Why Are You Still Washing Your Clothes In Warm Water?</a> <a href="https://www.geappliances.com/ge/lifestyles/6-reasons-to-cold-water-wash.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">6 Reasons to Cold-Water Wash</a> <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/laundry/energy-saving-laundry-tips" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">9 Ways to Save Energy Doing Laundry</a> <a href="https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-laundry-detergent/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Best Laundry Detergent</a>

22 Cleaning up Our Dirty Laundry

When the world’s scientists are concerned enough about something that they issue a warning – to the world, you might think we’d all take notice. Once you get to three warnings, however, well, you start to wonder just how intelligent we humans really are. After a 1992 warning, and another in 2017, world scientists have this month issued what our guest, Stuart Scott, has termed, a “final notice.” In this episode we visit with the man who offered to help the world’s scientists step up to the microphone and be heard. Scott is the founder and Executive Director of the Union of Concerned Citizens of Earth. He’s taken on the mission of helping the world’s scientists communicate well with everyday people. The most recent warning, by the Alliance of World Scientists, is titled World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency, and was published in the November issue of the professional journal, Bioscience. It begins: “Scientists have a moral obligation to clearly warn humanity of any catastrophic threat and to ‘tell it like it is.’ On the basis of this obligation and the graphical indicators presented below, we declare, with more than 11,000 scientist signatories from around the world, clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency.” The piece goes on to summarize “six critical and interrelated steps…that governments, businesses, and the rest of humanity can take to lessen the worst effects of climate change.   LINKS: Donate to Support this Podcast Scientistswarning.org This site has links to original 1992 warning, 2017 warning, and 2019 climate warning Robert Newman – History of Oil ScientistsWarningTV Alliance of World Scientists World Scientists Declare Climate Emergency Brief video featuring one of the warning co-authors, Dr. Thomas Newsome from the University of Sydney We Don’t Have Time Greta Thunberg message to world leaders at COP24 Rewriting Our Cultural Narrative – episode 105 of Conversation Earth We’re In Deep: Earth Overshoot Day 2019 – GrowthBusters episode with Mathis Wackernagel William Rees’ two recent “Am I Wrong” queries: Don’t Call Me a Pessimist on Climate Change. I Am a Realist (part one) by William Rees Memo from a Climate Crisis Realist: The Choice before Us (part two) by William Rees Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter   Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

When the world’s scientists are concerned enough about something that they issue a warning – to the world, you might think we’d all take notice. Once you get to three warnings, however, well, you start to wonder just how intelligent we humans really are. After a 1992 warning, and another in 2017, world scientists have this month issued what our guest, Stuart Scott, has termed, a “final notice.” In this episode we visit with the man who offered to help the world’s scientists step up to the microphone and be heard. Scott is the founder and Executive Director of the Union of Concerned Citizens of Earth. He’s taken on the mission of helping the world’s scientists communicate well with everyday people. The most recent warning, by the Alliance of World Scientists, is titled World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency, and was published in the November issue of the professional journal, Bioscience. It begins: “Scientists have a moral obligation to clearly warn humanity of any catastrophic threat and to ‘tell it like it is.’ On the basis of this obligation and the graphical indicators presented below, we declare, with more than 11,000 scientist signatories from around the world, clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency.” The piece goes on to summarize “six critical and interrelated steps…that governments, businesses, and the rest of humanity can take to lessen the worst effects of climate change. LINKS: <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Donate to Support this Podcast</a> <a href="http://www.scientistswarning.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Scientistswarning.org</a> This site has links to original 1992 warning, 2017 warning, and 2019 climate warning <a href="https://youtu.be/GIpm_8v80hw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Newman – History of Oil</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/upfsi" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ScientistsWarningTV</a> <a href="https://scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alliance of World Scientists</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/ikmI4wx9MRE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">World Scientists Declare Climate Emergency</a> Brief video featuring one of the warning co-authors, Dr. Thomas Newsome from the University of Sydney <a href="http://www.wedonthavetime.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">We Don’t Have Time</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/Xwnqy51BJNM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Greta Thunberg message to world leaders at COP24</a> <a href="http://www.conversationearth.org/rewriting-our-cultural-narrative-william-rees-105/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rewriting Our Cultural Narrative</a> – episode 105 of Conversation Earth <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/in-deep-earth-overshoot-day-2019/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">We’re In Deep: Earth Overshoot Day 2019</a> – GrowthBusters episode with Mathis Wackernagel William Rees’ two recent “Am I Wrong” queries: <a href="https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2019/11/11/Climate-Change-Realist-Face-Facts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Don’t Call Me a Pessimist on Climate Change. I Am a Realist</a> (part one) by William Rees <a href="https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2019/11/12/Climate-Crisis-Realist-Memo/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Memo from a Climate Crisis Realist: The Choice before Us</a> (part two) by William Rees <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/growthbusters" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a> Subscribe (free) so you don't miss an episode:

36 Don’t Make Me Stop this Spaceship!

Imagine you can live large – trophy house, fancy toys, caveman diet – but the costs are miniscule. Would you find that appealing? Or would you rather simplify your lifestyle and make your footprint the thing that’s miniscule? Is downsizing simply a way to supersize your consumption without maximizing your footprint? The latest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast examines these questions, as explored in the film, Downsizing. “Downsizing may be about a small world, but it is an audacious, out-sized peach of a picture.”  Ian Freer, Empire Magazine The film, starring Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, is now available for rent and purchase – on Amazon, GooglePlay and YouTube. The DVD is available on Netflix. GrowthBusters director Dave Gardner is joined by new co-host Dana Hicky to discuss the film, and that means overpopulation, overshoot, overconsumption, and climate change are on the agenda. Are we humans capable of doing the right thing and scaling back our footprint? If so, will we scale back our consumption or curb our procreation? The fact is, we’re so far into overshoot we need to do both. Is the film a pretty accurate mirror of how most of us think about “the good life?” Does Downsizing do a good job of raising these issues without preaching and putting off the audience? Also on tap: Are you still allowing restaurants to serve your drink with a disposable plastic straw? LINKS: Downsizing Feature Film Surfrider Foundation DitchTheStrawPDX Campaign The 5 Best Reusable Straws YouTube Video: Straw Lodged in Sea Turtle’s Nose

Imagine you can live large – trophy house, fancy toys, caveman diet – but the costs are miniscule. Would you find that appealing? Or would you rather simplify your lifestyle and make your footprint the thing that’s miniscule? Is downsizing simply a way to supersize your consumption without maximizing your footprint? The latest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast examines these questions, as explored in the film, Downsizing. “Downsizing may be about a small world, but it is an audacious, out-sized peach of a picture.”  Ian Freer, Empire Magazine The film, starring Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, is now available for rent and purchase – on Amazon, GooglePlay and YouTube. The DVD is available on Netflix. GrowthBusters director Dave Gardner is joined by new co-host Dana Hicky to discuss the film, and that means overpopulation, overshoot, overconsumption, and climate change are on the agenda. Are we humans capable of doing the right thing and scaling back our footprint? If so, will we scale back our consumption or curb our procreation? The fact is, we’re so far into overshoot we need to do both. Is the film a pretty accurate mirror of how most of us think about “the good life?” Does Downsizing do a good job of raising these issues without preaching and putting off the audience? Also on tap: Are you still allowing restaurants to serve your drink with a disposable plastic straw? LINKS: <a href="http://www.downsizingmovie.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Downsizing Feature Film</a> <a href="https://portland.surfrider.org/programs/ditchthestraw/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surfrider Foundation DitchTheStrawPDX Campaign</a> <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/the-5-best-reusable-straws" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The 5 Best Reusable Straws</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/4wH878t78bw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Video: Straw Lodged in Sea Turtle’s Nose</a>

#13 Downsize Me

To what extremes are we willing to go to fit more and more people and bigger and bigger economies on a finite planet? It seems we’re willing to give up many freedoms, conveniences, safety and security, but we’re not willing to acknowledge we’re overpopulated or overconsuming. Addressing those root causes is not an option. So, get ready to give up that dream home, meat, golf, rock concerts and air travel; and start whipping up a batch of cricket smoothies. The GrowthBusters team discusses the newest footprint-shrinking strategies and whether we’ll adopt them before things are “semi-apocalyptic.” How far will we go, before we’re willing to strongly suggest limiting our offspring and settling for a smaller, stable and sustainable economy? GrowthBusters is a public education project and documentary film. Their mission is to find the cure for growth addiction, so future generations can live decent lives on a planet with healthy life-support systems. Explore these issues, comment on this podcast, and see the film at http://www.growthbusters.org Links mentioned in this episode: Video: Would You Eat Bugs for Protein? https://youtu.be/yAEcuBDsvgU Save the Planet, Eat an Insect by David Suzuki https://davidsuzuki.org/story/save-planet-eat-insect Movie: Soylent Green https://smile.amazon.com/Soylent-Green-Charlton-Heston/dp/B001QUM4IY GrowthBusters Podcast on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ GrowthBusters on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Growthbusters

To what extremes are we willing to go to fit more and more people and bigger and bigger economies on a finite planet? It seems we’re willing to give up many freedoms, conveniences, safety and security, but we’re not willing to acknowledge we’re overpopulated or overconsuming. Addressing those root causes is not an option. So, get ready to give up that dream home, meat, golf, rock concerts and air travel; and start whipping up a batch of cricket smoothies. The GrowthBusters team discusses the newest footprint-shrinking strategies and whether we’ll adopt them before things are “semi-apocalyptic.” How far will we go, before we’re willing to strongly suggest limiting our offspring and settling for a smaller, stable and sustainable economy? GrowthBusters is a public education project and documentary film. Their mission is to find the cure for growth addiction, so future generations can live decent lives on a planet with healthy life-support systems. Explore these issues, comment on this podcast, and see the film at <a href="http://www.growthbusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.growthbusters.org</a> Links mentioned in this episode: Video: Would You Eat Bugs for Protein? <a href="https://youtu.be/yAEcuBDsvgU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/yAEcuBDsvgU</a> Save the Planet, Eat an Insect by David Suzuki <a href="https://davidsuzuki.org/story/save-planet-eat-insect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://davidsuzuki.org/story/save-planet-eat-insect</a> Movie: Soylent Green <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Soylent-Green-Charlton-Heston/dp/B001QUM4IY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://smile.amazon.com/Soylent-Green-Charlton-Heston/dp/B001QUM4IY</a> GrowthBusters Podcast on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/</a> GrowthBusters on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Growthbusters" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/Growthbusters</a>

Would You Eat a Bug to Save the Planet?

In Avengers: Infinity War the villain Thanos wants to solve overpopulation by exterminating half the population of the universe. Whenever overpopulation pops up in the movies, it’s always a villain with an inhumane solution. Dave and Dana discuss whether this helps or harms the cause of achieving a sustainable human population (yes, the world IS overpopulated today, and the forecasts are to add several billion more). Aren’t there humane, noble solutions to overpopulation? Plus: Are we hardwired to reproduce? Population control, Paul Ehrlich, Thomas Malthus, Dan Brown’s Inferno novel and movie, Soylent Green, ZPG, and Dave’s Top 10 Overpopulation Films also come up. (See links below) A number of listener comments are included. Thanks for writing in. Your comments are welcome either via posts on the episode page at GrowthBusters.org or Libsyn, on the GrowthBusters Podcast Facebook page, or on Twitter. Also in this episode: Listener comments about disposable straws and the movie, Downsizing (episode 13 of the GrowthBusters Podcast).   LINKS: Maybe Thanos Was Right (by Sparky, at Medium) Thanos’ plan in Avengers: Infinity War has historical precedent, but he applies it wrong (by Alessandra Potenza, at The Verge) Inferno (the novel) Inferno (the movie) Soylent Green ZPG Top 10 Population Films of All Time

In Avengers: Infinity War the villain Thanos wants to solve overpopulation by exterminating half the population of the universe. Whenever overpopulation pops up in the movies, it’s always a villain with an inhumane solution. Dave and Dana discuss whether this helps or harms the cause of achieving a sustainable human population (yes, the world IS overpopulated today, and the forecasts are to add several billion more). Aren’t there humane, noble solutions to overpopulation? Plus: Are we hardwired to reproduce? Population control, Paul Ehrlich, Thomas Malthus, Dan Brown’s Inferno novel and movie, Soylent Green, ZPG, and Dave’s Top 10 Overpopulation Films also come up. (See links below) A number of listener comments are included. Thanks for writing in. Your comments are welcome either via posts on the episode page at <a href="http://GrowthBusters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GrowthBusters.org</a> or Libsyn, on the GrowthBusters Podcast Facebook page, or on Twitter. Also in this episode: Listener comments about disposable straws and the movie, Downsizing (<a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/downsize-me/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">episode 13</a> of the GrowthBusters Podcast). LINKS: <a href="https://medium.com/@livinthedream780/maybe-thanos-was-right-ec43f02bd184" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Maybe Thanos Was Right</a> (by Sparky, at Medium) <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/4/17319992/thanos-plan-avengers-infinity-war-historical-precedent-science-malthus" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thanos’ plan in Avengers: Infinity War has historical precedent, but he applies it wrong</a> (by Alessandra Potenza, at The Verge) <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17212231-inferno" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inferno (the novel)</a> <a href="http://www.infernothemovie.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inferno (the movie)</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soylent Green</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z.P.G." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ZPG</a> <a href="https://www.growthbusters.org/top-10-population-films-of-all-time/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Top 10 Population Films of All Time</a>

#15 Do Only Villains Care About Overpopulation?

While the U.S. announced intention to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement is bad news, it seems to have inspired a lot of carbon-reducing promises at other levels across the country. And that is good news. Dana and Dave lament the biggest hurdle in the path to a survivable climate – the fact that economic growth is the number one public policy goal around the world. In many cases it is the one thing policymakers won’t sacrifice in efforts to curb the growth of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. We seem to be putting all our eggs in the technology basket, hoping we can run an ever-growing economy on more and more solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power and use technology to shrink that mushrooming global economy’s carbon footprint. Some economists think we can do that. Many scientists do not. Ozzie Zehner, in his 2012 book Green Illusions, noted several studies that indicate we might need to change our ways beyond just switching power sources. “Alternative energy is not a free ride, just a different ride...and there’s no reason to believe it will offset fossil fuel use in a society that has high levels of consumption and is growing exponentially.”  – Ozzie Zehner “…many of us, like Koningstein and Fork, have been asking the wrong questions of renewables. We’ve been demanding that they continue to power a growth-based consumer economy that is inherently unsustainable for a variety of reasons (the most obvious one being that we live on a small planet with finite resources). The fact that renewables can’t do that shouldn’t actually be surprising.” – Richard Heinberg The most optimistic economists believe we can “decouple” economic activity from environmental impacts. A number of realities intrude into that daydream. For a more thorough exploration, see the links below. The GrowthBusters team also wonders why few, if any, climate-focused environmental groups are pushing citizens to modify their own lives to shrink their carbon footprints. We also remind ourselves that we face limits to growth in many areas beyond our climate’s capacity as a carbon sink. Plus, in the earth-shattering sustainability news department, did you know the cardboard core of your roll of toilet paper is recyclable? And, finally, Dana explains to Dave why she is a pescatarian. LINKS:  Paris deal: a year after Trump announced US exit, a coalition fights to fill the gap  The decoupling delusion: rethinking growth and sustainability  Ozzie Zehner’s ‘Green Illusions’ Ruffles Feathers  Study suggests choice between green energy or economic growth Our Renewable Future  Can the world thrive on 100% renewable energy?

While the U.S. announced intention to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement is bad news, it seems to have inspired a lot of carbon-reducing promises at other levels across the country. And that is good news. Dana and Dave lament the biggest hurdle in the path to a survivable climate – the fact that economic growth is the number one public policy goal around the world. In many cases it is the one thing policymakers won’t sacrifice in efforts to curb the growth of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. We seem to be putting all our eggs in the technology basket, hoping we can run an ever-growing economy on more and more solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power and use technology to shrink that mushrooming global economy’s carbon footprint. Some economists think we can do that. Many scientists do not. Ozzie Zehner, in his 2012 book Green Illusions, noted several studies that indicate we might need to change our ways beyond just switching power sources. “Alternative energy is not a free ride, just a different ride...and there’s no reason to believe it will offset fossil fuel use in a society that has high levels of consumption and is growing exponentially.”  – Ozzie Zehner “…many of us, like Koningstein and Fork, have been asking the wrong questions of renewables. We’ve been demanding that they continue to power a growth-based consumer economy that is inherently unsustainable for a variety of reasons (the most obvious one being that we live on a small planet with finite resources). The fact that renewables can’t do that shouldn’t actually be surprising.” – Richard Heinberg The most optimistic economists believe we can “decouple” economic activity from environmental impacts. A number of realities intrude into that daydream. For a more thorough exploration, see the links below. The GrowthBusters team also wonders why few, if any, climate-focused environmental groups are pushing citizens to modify their own lives to shrink their carbon footprints. We also remind ourselves that we face limits to growth in many areas beyond our climate’s capacity as a carbon sink. Plus, in the earth-shattering sustainability news department, did you know the cardboard core of your roll of toilet paper is recyclable? And, finally, Dana explains to Dave why she is a pescatarian. LINKS: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/may/31/paris-climate-deal-trump-exit-resistance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Paris deal: a year after Trump announced US exit, a coalition fights to fill the gap</a> <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-decoupling-delusion-rethinking-growth-and-sustainability-71996" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The decoupling delusion: rethinking growth and sustainability</a> <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-zeller-jr/ozzie-zehner-green-illusions_b_1710382.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Ozzie Zehner’s ‘Green Illusions’ Ruffles Feathers</a> <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-02-choice-green-energy-economic-growth.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Study suggests choice between green energy or economic growth</a> <a href="http://www.postcarbon.org/our-renewable-future-essay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Renewable Future</a> <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2017/07/13/can-the-world-thrive-on-100-renewable-energy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Can the world thrive on 100% renewable energy?</a>

#14 One Thing That Will Guarantee Climate Disaster

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