lation Management
Planet Earth is already straining under the 400-billion-pound weight of eight billion humans (more than all other mammals combined)[i]. In a world that may warm by 4 or 5°C, much of the land could become unlivable because of extreme heat, drought, flooding, or sea-level rise[ii].
Some strategies described here may seem extreme, but it is important to remember that in a 4 or 5°C warmer world, there will be unprecedented challenges that require bold action.
Understanding the Challenge
It is crucial to understand the scale of the challenge we face. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, there could be over 200 million climate refugees[iii]. In a 5°C scenario, this number could be dramatically higher. Meanwhile, global food production could decrease by up to 30% by 2050 even as demand increases[iv].
For communities, this could mean:
- Potential influx of climate migrants from harder-hit areas
- Increased pressure on local resources, especially water and food
- More frequent and severe extreme weather events
- Changes in local agricultural productivity
Against this backdrop, continued population growth would exacerbate an already dire situation, potentially leading to widespread famine, conflict over resources, and societal collapse. While population management is a sensitive and ethically fraught topic, in a 5°C warmer world, it may become a necessity for human survival.
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