The results of this logarithmic increase is social as well as environmental, witness the increase in violence, gangs and drugs, the breakdown in education and social services; and bankrupt overcrowded cities.
Environmentalists see the connection between overpopulation and ecological damage, but too many accept the massive over-peopling of the planet as inevitable. This is because they focus on the problem rather than the solution. So one job of the population committee is to educate people about the humane and rational answer to overpopulation: greatly expanded world wide family planning. If the money and support systems for such a program were given the priority of a single major weapons system, population growth could be slowed and then stopped across the planet with the lifetimes of most of us.
For some time the Club's national Board of Directors has wanted to address over-population. However, given the Club's status as the world's premier grass roots environmental organization, it waited to see more evidence of local support for the issue. For years the Angeles Chapter conservation Committee has tagged overpopulation as a top environmental concern in the annual Club issues poll. But what was missing was support from the Club's other 60 chapters. Three years ago the Sierra Club had one local population committee. The club now has 34 such committees, with about 30 more forming in the various chapters and groups around the country. When the latest Club-wide issues poll ranked population near the top, the Board of Directors named population a priority Campaign. Back in L.A., the local population Committee continues to educated and lobby, knowing that its efforts are finally reflected throughout the Sierra Club. It you would like to know more about your Angeles Chapter population committee, you are cordially invited to call the Chair, Russell Ernst, at 213-534-2155 or co-vice chair Michael Beck at 810-246-3661. Monthly meetings are held every second Wednesday at 7:15 at Chapter Headquarters. Do you see the connection between the quality of our environment and the staggering increase in human population? This is an issue that needs immediate attention. Much needs to be done, but to protect those things we hold dear requires involvement. Becoming active is the only way to elicit change. Your support of the Sierra Club'S Own population Stabilization Committee is a great start. But make the connection!!
