“If we are going to survive climate change, what’s the most important thing to do — end the use of fossil-fuel products, or control the growth of population?”
The Adult Discussion Group meets each month (except August) on the fourth Sunday at 2 p.m. The topics to be discussed the next month are chosen by the participants, and they represent a wide range of concerns and interests. The age range of the attenders is wide, from students to seniors. At present, the meetings are entirely on Zoom. No registration or RSVP required.
For additional information, accessibility questions, or the zoom link, email Martha at outreachinreach@gmail.com
“Population, global warming and consumption patterns are inextricably linked in their collective global environmental impact,” reports the Global Population and Environment Program at the Sierra Club. “As developing countries’ contribution to global emissions grows, population size and growth rates will become significant factors in magnifying the impacts of global warming.”
According to the Worldwatch Institute, a nonprofit environmental think tank, the overriding challenges facing our global civilization are to curtail climate change and slow population growth. “Success on these two fronts would make other challenges, such as reversing the deforestation of Earth, stabilizing water tables, and protecting plant and animal diversity, much more manageable,” reports the group. “If we cannot stabilize climate and we cannot stabilize population, there is not an ecosystem on Earth that we can save.”
Many population experts believe the answer lies in improving the health of women and children in developing nations. By reducing poverty and infant mortality, increasing women’s and girls’ access to basic human rights (health care, education, economic opportunity), educating women about birth control options and ensuring access to voluntary family planning services, women will choose to limit family size.
If we are to survive climate change, can we do both these things–end the use of fossil-fuel products and control the growth of population? There is serious opposition to both of these efforts that threatens their success. How can Quakers help to ensure the ultimate positive result of worldwide efforts to save our planet?
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To join the meeting on Zoom, use link: DISCUSSION GROUP or use Meeting ID 859 3632 2993, Passcode 606192
Sunday, May 28, 2023 – 2:00pm
North Columbus Friends Meeting (Quakers) 