Paul Ehrlich on The Population Bomb, Climate Change, and the Ethics of Extinction

The Michael Shermer Show # 488

Paul Ehrlich reflects on his extensive career, including what he got wrong in The Population Bomb, the challenges of population growth, and the critical issue of biodiversity loss. He also discusses the importance of education and wealth in promoting environmental stewardship, the role of nuclear power, and the ethical dilemmas of cloning extinct species.

Paul Ehrlich is Professor Emeritus of Population Studies in the Department of Biology and the president of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. He is the author of The Population Bomb. His new book is Before They Vanish: Saving Nature’s Populations—and Ourselves.

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[alexedgar]

So many people don't want to take the bitter medicine of the truth.

I agree with Ehrlich. There are too many people in the world. The trouble is no one is willing to leave.

[Arxssenn]

I would like to see Michael interview people like William Rees and Nate Hagens

[JamesBurke]

I'm not sure why Michael released this interview to the general public. There are several moments where Shermer tries to divert the conversation by interrupting Paul with another question before Paul is allowed to provide a full explanation of his position on issues that Shermer obviously becomes very uncomfortable with.
Not only is it rude but it is an insidious form of censorship.

[roberthornack]

You can't have infinite growth on a finite planet with finite resources! This should be a no-brainer for anyone who is not in denial! Extinction is the norm not the exception & that includes humans!

[hueyiroquois]

18:34 I think that's one of the most important issues of the day. And I'm not just biased because of being in my 60s.

[d.r.tweedstweeddale]

Much appreciate you having Ehrlich on your show. Somewhat uplifting to listen to a scientist who absolutely knows what's what. Too bad no one's listening. It's over either way now.

[Clem]

I remember driving on the highway 40 years ago and my windshield would be covered in the guts of hundreds of insects. Now, it's almost nothing. In the alpine I've seen and more heard thousands of bees on the heather in the Spring. In my city which is covered in gardens I only see a bee here and there.

[Dullday]

Anosognosia: A condition where a person is unable to recognize a problem.

[toadvine]

"If we continue these considerations to the bitter end, then the conclusion is not in doubt. As long as humankind recklessly proceeds in the fateful delusion of being biologically fated for triumph, nothing essential will change. As its numbers mount and the spiritual atmosphere thickens, the techniques of protection must assume an increasingly brutal character." -- Zapffe

[billg]

Great discussion Paul .I read your book years ago and I agree . We are in overshoot because of overpopulation . The elites don, t believe that you can, t have infinite growth on a finate planet .

[mpetry]

this will be a good one MIchael ! esteeemed and honored guest !

[rickmcentee]

The obvious futility in predicting future events based on current trends is stated at the bottom of every prospectus.

[Thxsober]

Proof that some stopped clocks are NOT right twice a day.

[Jonus_Grumby]

Ehrlich sketched out his most alarmist scenario for the 1970 Earth Day issue of The Progressive, assuring readers that between 1980 and 1989, some 4 billion people, including 65 million Americans, would perish in the “Great Die-Off.”

[chadreilly]

I feel like Shermer does not understand "finite" resources. And it seems his thoughts have degraded into parroted slogans like, "I'm pro human, " or "rich people care more about the environment." Which is interesting as I thought his books, back in the day were good. So what gives? Alcoholism?

[rediscovering.liberty]

11:40 Response: Prof. Antony Davies - 5 Myths About Inequality

[peterkerruish]

Michael your guest is a font of wisdom!, Thankyou.

[mikeharrington]

Disappointing that Shermer chose (albeit mischievously) to bait Ehlich on why can't everyone be wealthy, knowing full well we do not have the planetary resources for 8 billion to live the Shermer lifestyle.

[angharadllewellyn]

I read Paul Ehrlich’s book, “The Population Bomb”, in the 1970s. Based on his book, I decided NOT to have children. I’m now 74, and not one day to I regret my decision.