The subject of population -- like sex, politics, and religion -- elicits such strong opinions that people often go out of their way to avoid talking about it. That's led many to believe that population growth is no longer a valid concern, but if you're worried about people, posterity, or the planet, it's time to talk. On Oct. 31, world population will cross the 7 billion mark. There's nothing particularly significant about that number. It's just a milestone, but it's also an opportunity for reflection and recalibration. A lot has happened since world population crossed the 6 billion mark in …

Don’t fear to be feared.Supporters of climate-change legislation have much to learn from an organization that is often rated as the most powerful lobby in Washington: the National Rifle Association.  The gun lobby is not invincible, but it has won a disproportionate share of its battles. The NRA and its allies have not relied on data collection and scrupulously reasoned arguments to carry the day.  To the contrary, the gun lobby has focused on building and energizing its small membership base, working to influence the outcome of critical elections, and employing bare-knuckled tactics.  The NRA's membership is not that large …

In response to my post about the multitude of challenges posed by rapid population growth in developing countries, Jason Scorse replies, "there is plenty of food to feed everyone in the world already, but many go hungry. There is probably five times the amount of food to feed everyone in the U.S., but we have hungry people here."   That's like saying, "Severe poverty is not a problem.  There is plenty of money in the world.  We just need to redistribute it."     For better or worse, we don't live in a Marxian world where it's "each according to …

There are already 6.8 billion of us ...Photo courtesy James Cridland via FlickrFred Pearce keeps on saying that population growth is no longer a problem. He said it again yesterday as part of his World Population Day message. In Fred's view, it's very simple. Fertility rates have come down sharply over the past half century. Problem solved. Sorry, Fred, saying that population growth is no longer a problem doesn't make it so, no matter how many times you say it. Neither does wishful thinking. While admitting that world population may increase by another 2 billion or so by midcentury, he …