Human Progress Management

Rusty Dodson

An Older Public

  The human race has evolved past the natural order of nature or more accurately, outgrown it. Nature works with a series of checks and balances and at this point the natural system cannot keep up with the explosive growth of the human population and our hunger for advancement. The human race has got to take an aggressive role in managing our own existence.  Humans are now capable of living much longer and better lives obviously this is a great thing.  We should aim to live as long and healthy as possible and to continue positive advancement.

  Humans, in general, are living longer now. This longer and better life cycle plays a very serious role in global economy and environmental issues. As the general population ages and ceases to take part in the economical cycle they essentially become a drag on the system. No longer putting money or as much money into taxes, but continuing to draw from resources. An older population is more costly to healthcare systems and often other financial institutions.

  The above paragraph may at this point sound as if I’m against “old people”; this is certainly not the case. I, in fact do plan on being old myself some day. My point here is to state the truth about an aging population as to indicate that measures must be taken in order to manage these issues. Measures, such as developing employment strategies for an older public. The fact is, as we live longer, we will have to work longer. Healthcare systems will have to be redesigned. Healthcare is already stressed, and it will get worse without copious amounts of attention.

  Population Planning

  In theory, stronger population growth supports the system. However this in itself presents new problems as well. A larger population consumes a larger portion of already dwindling natural resources. Resources such as, clean water, air, natural fuels and of course, land. These resources are limited, and ironically enough, the more we use, the more we ruin at the same time with pollution. Population growth must be controlled and planned.

  Some countries have already hit the critical phase of controlling population. This has required drastic control methods. With proper planning these drastic measures can easily be avoided. A more practical and obviously preferable method would be to offer incentives to control population. Incentives such as tax breaks for delaying reproduction and continuing education. An incentive that promotes educational programs before starting a family will not only slow population growth but also stimulate the economy.

  An Economical Environment

  “Show me the money”, this is the drive behind change! The fact is the world will not change its ways for good will or even for the sake of our children. Ecology will not be a high priority until it’s a financial priority.

  Ecotourism, people do pay good money to see wildlife. When managed properly by people with a biology background instead of just a business background this is an excellent way to not only bring much needed money into protected regions but also to excite people about environmental issues.

  Embracing our differences

  As environmentalists we often oppose hunting of any kind. The fact is that some of the most effective environmentalists of our time have been avid hunters. Hunters will go to great lengths to keep their subjects available and to have wild places in which to hunt them in. When properly managed hunting plays a vital role in population control of problem species, again with proper management hunting can be a viable way to encourage environmental practices.

  Modern Technology

  We now have the technology to maintain our way of living while also improving our environment.  Solar energy is a perfect viable resource. Modern technology has made distributing and storing solar energy cost effective and reliable. This is again a good opportunity to offer an incentive program. Incentives can be offered to developers to apply solar technology to new structures and incentives to current homeowners to make the conversion. Our government offers tax breaks to developers for several purposes; conservation is certainly a good purpose.

  Transportation is another area in which new “green” technology should be applied. Hybrid vehicles are a decent option. Hydrogen vehicles are almost completely free of emissions. These technologies will continue to improve if the public shows strong interest.

  (More to come)