shifting investment to alternative sources of supply. Already, investment is
shifting toward technologies that may reduce dependence on fossil fuels and
reduce consumption through recycling. And of course we should not forget
“collective learning.” The collective brain of modern humanity, magni¿ ed
by billions of networked computers, is the most powerful problem-solving
entity we know of. If there is a solution to the problems that face us and the
biosphere, 6 billion networked humans are surely likely to ¿ nd it.
Which leaves the political question: If solutions can be found, will they be
implemented in time? Many would argue that we already know most of
the solutions, and the ¿ rst solution is to slow the rate at which we consume
natural resources. Done with care, such a change might not mean a drastic
reduction in material living standards, but it will certainly be painful. Will we
show the political will and creativity needed to take these decisions? Perhaps
the Easter Islanders saw perfectly what needed to be done (stop building
ahus!) But their chiefs wouldn’t let them, and anyway they wanted to build
just one more ahu that was better than that of the neighboring village ... Will
modern humans do any better?
Though there are ominous trends in our relationship with the environment
and a real threat of a global Malthusian crisis, there is also growing awareness
of the dangers. Will we, unlike the islanders on Rapa Nui, show the insight
and the political and moral will needed to act before it is too late? Ŷ
Christian, Maps of Time, chap. 15.
Brown, Eco-Economy.
Ponting, A Green History of the World.
Essential ReadingSupplementary Reading