How Sustainable is Seven Billion?

By the time you read this, the
world’s population could well have reached the 7 billion mark. See the official
UN site for the latest figure:  www.7billionactions.org Almost all
agree that October 2011 is the month when this happens. In a mere 12 years, the
world has added a billion people. There is a strong correlation between population
and climate change, sustainability, the food crisis and even obesity! The world
produces enough food to feed everyone. World agriculture produces 17% more
calories per person today than it did 30 years ago, despite a 70% population
increase.  The problem is distribution
and inequality. There are more overweight and/or obese people in the world than
there are those who are hungry! Michael Molitor believes a green revolution is
the answer to a struggling economy at home and abroad. Also highlighted this
issue is the US Energy report – a sad state of affairs – along with the continuing
problems for island states and sea level rise. And anther climate change policy
impasse? News of the Australian Green Infrastructure Council conference (coming
up) with the theme “Out Brave New World” and the Sustainable Cities event in
Singapore (just past). World Health Organisation releases is air quality report
and Michael Richardson draws attention to fire danger. What else? Greenpost and
GreenBizCheck on the move; Fujitsu and the Global Sustainability Index; The
Economist dispassionately surveys Arctic Ice melting & Triple Pundit
connects climate change and human conflict; car sharing and electric cars in
Canada and the US; Energy efficiency pays off for many and hydrogen becomes a
viable clean fuel; Nike invests in clean tech start-ups and Coca Cola puts its
money where its mouth is. We’ll drink to that! – Ken Hickson