VERSION|0.5.1|SUBJECT|Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic studies, New College, University of Edinburgh  |CONTENT|[b]Rating[/b] 4 out of 5 (Highly platitudinous)

[url=http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap130702.html][img=images/2013/07/pic130702.jpg popup=false float=right][/url]Stephen Emmott's book [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ten-Billion-Stephen-Emmott/dp/0141976322]10 Billion[/url] explores the consequences of a planet with 10 billion people. He illustrates how almost all of the environmental problems of the world are caused by humanity. The demands for more food, more water and more energy grow constantly.

These are clearly serious issues requiring radical solutions. I just want to make it absolutely clear that I don't intend to mention any of the possible solutions. In the very best Thought For The Day tradition, I intend only to highlight problems. Advocating any particular approach to solving a problem would would be dangerously close to a commitment.

What I can do is quote a bit from the Koran that is rather silly if taken literally, but if interpreted metaphorically could be taken as a warning from the Invisible Magic Friend not to trash the planet. The wisdom of the Koran teaches us that trashing the planet is probably a bad thing and we shouldn't do it. The Koran is also very clear in not offering any suggestions about how to manage unsustainable development, confirming my previous instinct that it's much better to just shake my head and say "tut, tut," rather than lean towards any particular solution.

It's getting near the end of my thought now. Let me just reiterate, in slightly different language, that there is a potential catastrophe awaiting us due to unconstrained population growth and ever expanding human aspirations. I think it would be a very good idea if someone seriously thought about how to avert this. Unfortunately, nearly all of the likely solutions will prove to be extremely unpopular, so that someone isn't going to be me.

Phew! I managed to get to the end without once mentioning curbs on consumption or curbs in population growth. 

Oops.

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