Global population and environmentalism

Interesting to read some of the comments at the bottom of this article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7865332.stm

I think this comment was one of the most disturbing.

The problem of overpopulation is compounded by the fact that ignorant and low mentality individuals typically reproduce at a much higher rate than educated individuals which results in huge populations of people who simply cannot understand why or how to practice birth control and who have no hope of being able to provide for themselves or their offsprings. Continually providing food and resources to these bursting populations without requiring contraception only increases the suffering. Rational and intelligent people should voluntarily reduce the size of their families and those who do not have the mental capacity to understand this need should be compelled by law.
Rhonda Richardson, Lynchburg, Va., USA

What an elitist nazi. The environmental movement would do well to distance themselves for this type of thinking.

Andreas

Jason Cosford said:

Interesting to read some of the comments at the bottom of this article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7865332.stm

The big question is "who wins?" when it comes to population.

Will it be superstition (and Malthus) or common sense?

What struck me most about the comments to this article is that views are so polarized. Either you are an ignorant breeder contributing to the death of us all or you are an elitist misanthropic fascist set on mass extermination. I applaud the author for bringing up the "elephant in the room" because sensible discussion is clearly needed. Economic and social equality in the developing world would lead to diminished birth rates, as happened in developed countries, without the need for some government "culling of the heard." The flip side is that with greater development comes increased per capita resource use. So, there needs to be more efficient use of resources as well.

Now is the time to be talking about these issues.