Feb 18 2011: I see the two points, population and climate change - as being connected but not in the way that most people would identify. Let me say straight off; I'm an optimist.
The more people there are, the more smart people there are. Imagine if Africa had 50 universities of the same standard as Oxbridge or Harvard /Yale/MIT. the biggest waste on this planet is not energy but human potential. How many Einsteins have starved to death in Africa, how many Mozart's?
I don't believe that the developing countries are leading the charge on the environment, generally speaking their governments are in favour of action because they imagine large quantities of cash coming their way whilst the populations of these countries are disinterested, busily trying to survive. It's in the rich, developed countries where the rank and file are concerned about the environment - they can afford to be. For many reasons we need more progress in education and growth in the developing nations, not least of which is the environment; sure further growth may have short-term environmental costs but long term the outlook is better.
I believe that within 50 years we will have virtually unlimited affordable energy, I believe that human endeavour will provide this. With unlimited energy we can provide water wherever it's needed, we can grow more, we can do more of everything. People who campaign for us to do less are whistling in the wind, it's in our nature to advance not to retreat; they should concentrate on ensuring that we advance in the right way.
The change has begun; for example, we're moving to electric cars, and we're doing this for economic & political reasons not ecological ones, but no matter the reason, the result will be beneficial.
Be concerned, yes, but be optimistic and rise to the challenges; let the deserts bloom!
Feb 16 2011: As far as the main question is concerned: One does not need to be an "honest broker" to desire peace.
"Has Egypt exposed a blatant hypocrisy in the west's relationship with the Middle East?" No, it was clear to all that the west backed the status quo.
"A people who have finally spoken and will continue to speak. Peacefully..." Not having your foresight I'll wait and see.
"For western leaders is freedom a question of strategy rather than principle?" Both.
As for the Tony Blair quotes, there may well be a contradiction if one reads both quotes in full but in the passages that you quote there is none.
In general do not be surprised if western politicians do what they think is best for their own constituents.
I happen to agree that it would be better for the west to encourage democracy everywhere and deal with whatever it throws up, but in the past some leaders have, honestly, thought that real politik was the best policy at certain times. It's easy for us, keyboard warriors, to blame them when they get it wrong.
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A comment on Conversation: Why do so many think that population growth is an important issue for the environment? Don't they know the facts of demographics?
The more people there are, the more smart people there are. Imagine if Africa had 50 universities of the same standard as Oxbridge or Harvard /Yale/MIT. the biggest waste on this planet is not energy but human potential. How many Einsteins have starved to death in Africa, how many Mozart's?
I don't believe that the developing countries are leading the charge on the environment, generally speaking their governments are in favour of action because they imagine large quantities of cash coming their way whilst the populations of these countries are disinterested, busily trying to survive. It's in the rich, developed countries where the rank and file are concerned about the environment - they can afford to be. For many reasons we need more progress in education and growth in the developing nations, not least of which is the environment; sure further growth may have short-term environmental costs but long term the outlook is better.
I believe that within 50 years we will have virtually unlimited affordable energy, I believe that human endeavour will provide this. With unlimited energy we can provide water wherever it's needed, we can grow more, we can do more of everything. People who campaign for us to do less are whistling in the wind, it's in our nature to advance not to retreat; they should concentrate on ensuring that we advance in the right way.
The change has begun; for example, we're moving to electric cars, and we're doing this for economic & political reasons not ecological ones, but no matter the reason, the result will be beneficial.
Be concerned, yes, but be optimistic and rise to the challenges; let the deserts bloom!
A reply on Conversation: The west can no longer claim to be an honest broker in the search for peace in the Middle East.
A comment on Conversation: The west can no longer claim to be an honest broker in the search for peace in the Middle East.
"Has Egypt exposed a blatant hypocrisy in the west's relationship with the Middle East?" No, it was clear to all that the west backed the status quo.
"A people who have finally spoken and will continue to speak. Peacefully..." Not having your foresight I'll wait and see.
"For western leaders is freedom a question of strategy rather than principle?" Both.
As for the Tony Blair quotes, there may well be a contradiction if one reads both quotes in full but in the passages that you quote there is none.
In general do not be surprised if western politicians do what they think is best for their own constituents.
I happen to agree that it would be better for the west to encourage democracy everywhere and deal with whatever it throws up, but in the past some leaders have, honestly, thought that real politik was the best policy at certain times. It's easy for us, keyboard warriors, to blame them when they get it wrong.
A comment on Conversation: What's the overlooked gem, the book I haven't read that I must?