Tom B wrote:I quite liked this post on the BBC website, as a follow up to this article http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7078857.stm
"Perhaps you could make people smaller? Could genetic engineering make future generations 60 cms high? They would take less space, consume less, pollute less. Its a permanent solution too. As the number of people on the planet increases further, then human height can be reduced in inverse proportion, to 30 cms, 15, 10, even 5, ad infinitum. Obviously potential predators like cats and ferrets would need downsizing at the same time. They say that there is a lower limit on brain size below which people are not so clever but that might not be a bad thing. How is it that humans with their huge brains are an endangered species, yet seagulls with their smaller brain are not? Why is it that seagulls are already top dog in many Atlantic seaside towns. For those attracted by the idea, further genetic research could turn us all into seagulls... No worries then about planes and their carbon, no need for body searches at airports.... No problem about heating houses. Yes, I know, seagulls don't pay taxes so that would ruin government budgetary planning, and of course there's the impact of a seagull population bubble on fish stocks... Well nothing is 100 percent pefect. Anyway, downsizing may be the only piskey solution Making the planet bigger would be a logistical nightmare. Getting everyone to volunteer for negative growth (in the sense of consuming less) shows no sign of working. And reducing population numbers by drawing straws, euthanasia for the over 20s, bombing the **** out of other countries, etc., is unfair, unjust, immoral and wrong and would create an uncontrollable backlash. Downsizing people may be the only equitable option. There are plenty of communities of Elves, Korrigans, fairies, spriggans, hobbits, etc where I understand it has been tried with success.
Alan Trevarthen, Brittany"
Five downsized people would use more than one normal sized person - if the rate of growth continues -then the reality of the matter is - that this would make no difference. How do you identify the human race as being endangered. Endangered species are by their very nature - small groups - who have a dwindling population.
Scotland appears empty - we have plenty of room - come here regardless your size or colour. Too many rats in the same cage will kill each other. The population will undoubtedly be wiped out - almost to the point of extinction by a rogue virus - or perhaps their is worse tragedy - waiting in the wings - remembering dinosaurs.
Why bother - seems ironic when juxtaposed with our miserable 5 million.
