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Attenborough in population warning
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Sir David Attenborough said that a "frightening explosion in human numbers" was behind every threat to wildlife across the world.
The veteran broadcaster made his comments as he became patron of a group seeking to cut the growth in human population.
The Optimum Population Trust (OPT) believes Earth may not be able to support more than half its present numbers before the end of the century.
In a statement released on the organisation's website, Sir David, 82, said: "I've seen wildlife under mounting human pressure all over the world and it's not just from human economy or technology - behind every threat is the frightening explosion in human numbers.
"I've never seen a problem that wouldn't be easier to solve with fewer people, or harder, and ultimately impossible, with more.
"That's why I support the OPT, and I wish the environmental NGOs would follow their lead, and spell out this central problem loud and clear."
The trust, which was founded in 1991, wants the UK population to decrease by not less than 0.25% a year and has launched a "Stop at Two" pledge to encourage couples to voluntarily limit the size of their families.
World population is projected to rise from 6.8 billion today to 9.1 billion in 2050, it says.
OPT chairman Roger Martin said he was "delighted" to welcome Sir David as patron and added: "All serious environmentalists know perfectly well that population growth, exploding in the 20th century, has been a key driver of every environmental problem."
In January, Sir David revealed he received hate mail from viewers for not crediting God in his nature programmes.
Reader views (3)
OPT is not just the expected numbers of humans living on this planet, the environmental damage is getting to a critical level in many parts and putting it down to the hands of God will bring forth the demise of humanity.
See the viable option before rushing forward with the comments without thought... http://www.growthbusters.com/
- William, Forest Hill Surrey, 13/04/2009 23:56
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The thin edge of the eugenics blade.
- William J Kempton, edinburgh, 13/04/2009 21:43
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I am 100% with you Sir David on every level - This planet is being killed by the one thing that is supposed to be of higher intelligence - Humans. Humans to me are the least intelligent thing on the planet. We cannot see what is right in front of our noses and that is the fact that unless we curb the population, we will not survive. How ignorant are we. We need global sterilisation. The Chinese got it right at one point. They stated one child only and penalised people for having more. Countries like Africa, India, Pakistan, etc., should have a mass sterlisation programme. They must be made to understand that they cannot keep on an on having children. We do not need all this technology we strive more and more for - we need common sense.
- Louie, London, South East, 13/04/2009 21:35
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