We're Running Out of Planet

As a planet, we're living beyond our means.  Our global population and levels of consumption are exceeding the carrying capacity of our Earth.  The result is economic recession, worsening income inequality, resource depletion, environmental pollution, climate change and ocean death.  Yet, for most economists and politicians, the solution is more economic growth.  Richard Heinberg of the Post-Carbon Institute says that we need "... our leaders to publicly acknowledge that a prolonged shrinkage of the economy is a done deal. From that initial recognition might follow a train of possible strategies, including planned population decline, economic localization, the formation of cooperatives to replace corporations, and the abandonment of consumerism. Global efforts at resource conservation and climate mitigation could avert pointless wars."  We don't need a GOP presidential candidate who calls climate change a hoax, who doubles down on fossil fuel extraction and who is an object of derision globally for his ludicrous claims.  At least the Democratic candidate accepts climate change and will work with other world leaders to limit its effects.  As Heinberg says, we really need a leader  "... more in the mold of Winston Churchill, who famously promised only 'blood, toil, tears, and sweat' in enlisting his people in a great, protracted struggle in which all would be called upon to work tirelessly and set aside personal wants and expectations."  We need bold leaders that will transition us to a sustainable steady-state economy.       ​