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Believe it or not, actual population numbers are not a negative factor overall in the earth's development. All the world's population, standing side-by-side, can fit into the city limits of Jacksonville, Fla.

What is at issue is liveable lands for the populations that exist, and the negative environmental impact of human beings in general. The reason China and India have a billion people each are not so much that their nations are large geographically, it is because those two nations have enough arable land to support such populations. Now, obviously, the populations in those two enormous nations cannot grow geometrically forever, so therein lies a dilemma.

As for Africa, the situation is dire. The populations of African nations would likely grow rapidly, but the arable land is limited to mostly lands in the south, which are now being rendered useless because of the mass deportation of traditionally efficient white farmers. To the north, the Sahara dominates, and desert areas are increasing every year.

North America has by far the most positive present and future. Smart land-use policies in the United States, Canada and Brazil (save for rainforest preservation) have led to maximization of energy production (oil and coal) and massive farm production in various grains and soy.

California is stunning for its huge amount of fruit production, carefully regulated in order to preserve the land and conserve water. This season, because of ample rain, fruit production could be as much as double last years's crop.

Environmental issues remain critical. Global warming might well increase desertification, but they might also unleash the potential of arctic tundra regions to actually produce wheat. It is all a matter of perspective.

Learn more about this author, Gerald Carroll.
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