Paul Ehrlich on The Population Bomb, Climate Change, and the Ethics of Extinction
The Michael Shermer Show
Deep Dive
Why did Paul Ehrlich admit to making a mistake in 'The Population Bomb'?
He included scenarios that were interpreted as predictions, leading to criticism when they didn't come true. He acknowledges that while the scenarios were meant to stimulate thought, they were misconstrued as precise forecasts.
What does Paul Ehrlich believe is the biggest environmental challenge today?
He sees the loss of biodiversity as a critical issue, emphasizing that humanity is dependent on the natural systems that biodiversity supports. He argues that the destruction of these systems is threatening our survival.
How does Paul Ehrlich view the role of wealth and education in environmental stewardship?
He believes that wealthier, healthier, and more educated populations tend to have fewer children and care more about the environment. However, he also notes that wealth redistribution is necessary to achieve this globally.
What is Paul Ehrlich's stance on electric vehicles and nuclear power?
He is cautious about electric vehicles, noting that they still require significant resources and infrastructure. Regarding nuclear power, he believes it should be part of the energy mix but acknowledges psychological and political challenges, including the risk of accidents or misuse.
What does Paul Ehrlich think about the idea of cloning extinct species?
He considers it technically possible but questions the ethical implications and practicality. He warns against moral hazard, where the belief that extinct species can be cloned might reduce efforts to prevent extinctions in the first place.
Why does Paul Ehrlich believe that population growth is a significant issue?
He argues that the current global population of over 8 billion is unsustainable, especially as people aspire to higher standards of living. He cites economist Sir Partha Dasgupta's estimate that humanity could only support around 3 billion people at a Mexican standard of living.
What does Paul Ehrlich suggest as a solution to environmental and population challenges?
He advocates for redistribution of wealth and resources to ensure a smaller, sustainable population can live well without destroying the planet's life support systems. He emphasizes the need for global cooperation and education to achieve this.
How does Paul Ehrlich view the current political polarization in the U.S.?
He believes the current polarization is severe but not unprecedented, citing the violence and division during the Civil War era as an example of a similarly intense period in U.S. history.
What does Paul Ehrlich think about the future of nation-states?
He envisions a potential future without nation-states, where people live in city-states with open borders and fewer political obstacles. However, he emphasizes that achieving this requires addressing current environmental and political challenges.
Why does Paul Ehrlich believe that biodiversity loss is a global issue?
He argues that biodiversity loss affects everyone, as humanity depends on natural ecosystems for survival. He stresses the need for global cooperation to address this issue, especially in poorer countries where biodiversity is often threatened by poverty and corruption.
- Paul Ehrlich reflects on his long career and life experience.
- He acknowledges mistakes in his predictions regarding the population bomb.
- He highlights the importance of scientific review and learning from mistakes.
- He expresses concern over politicians' efforts to end environmental protection programs.
Shownotes Transcript