September 23, 2011

Fun flies when you're having time

Cheeses! That was fast!

A recent article from the economist may explain a bit about why you may feel so rushed and stressed these days.

"Over 23% of all the goods and services made since 1AD were produced from 2001 to 2010, according to an updated version of Angus Maddison's figures."
Then they offer this chart:


The analysis lends somewhat to the overpopulation argument. We have to wonder just how long this old planet can sustain this kind of growth... from both the economic and population perspective. The old gal has got to be feeling some strain. 
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5 Comments:

Old NFO said...

Excellent point! And at what point do we over-populate the earth???

Mule Breath said...

NFO, that question will be answered in as many ways as there are people, but in the end I figure the planet will tell us when she's had enough.

Kernut the Blond said...

I'm doing my part by not having babies. Ever.

Mule Breath said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mule Breath said...

Kernut, that is the kind of action (inaction?) that will be required to stem this trend.

When I was young the population scientists were saying we were reaching the saturation point, and that one means of holding the line was if we could simply limit ourselves to a child per parent... or two children households.

At this point we'll have to cut that in half... and even then it will be half a dozen generations before the tide will begin to subside.