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We Can’t Go On Growing This Way
By Donella Meadows
–April 2, 1992–
Twenty years ago there were 3.6 billion people in the world. Now there are 5.5 billion. In another twenty years, according to United Nations projection, there will be 7.5 and by the end of the next century 12.5 billion.
In 1970 the world had 250 million automobiles. In 1990 there were 560 million. Still only about 10 [...]
The Important News Is Breaking at U.N. Headquarters
By Donella Meadows
–March 26, 1992–
Far more important than Congressional rubber checks, Bill Clinton’s love affairs, or even a middle class tax cut, is an event that few reporters are following, though it is happening in the media capital of the United States. PrepCom IV, the fourth and final negotiating session for the Earth Summit, is going on now at United [...]
The Government Giveth and the Government Taketh Away
By Donella Meadows
–March 19, 1992–
“What difference does it make, whether my land is taken away from me by a Czar or by the State of South Carolina?” asks an incensed developer.
His land was in fact not taken away, but his development plans were, by a regulation against building on an erosive beach. He is suing the state for violating the [...]
Miracles From Nature Take a Long Time to Develop
By Donella Meadows
–March 12, 1992–
Some people say that the discovery of a cancer cure in the Pacific yew is a perfect example of why we should save ancient forests. Some people say environmentalists’ efforts to protect the yew just demonstrate how the Greens care more for trees than for people.
I say that the yew story shows why we should slow [...]
A Voter’s Guide to the National Economy
By Donella Meadows
–March 5, 1992–
Most of us are well aware that the economy is badly off kilter. We are working harder (those who still have work), paying more, and getting less. We’d like to ask the candidates who are seeking our votes some hard questions.
But economic analysis is not exactly the long suit of the average citizen, and the government [...]
