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How much longer, for instance, can we continue to crowd more and more people into this world? How much longer can we afford to wage senseless, destructive wars? How long can we permit the uncontrolled use of the earth's resources when there is no possibility of replacing them? Indeed, how long will it be before we have completely used up everything our lives depend on? These issues are the politics of the future. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have begun to spell out in substantive fashion the means by which we can control population growth, environmental problmes, and the conservation of our natural resources.

Leo J. Ryan#2

PoliticsConservationEnvironmentPopulationResourcesSustainability

About this quote

What does it mean?
We face urgent limits on population, war, and resource use that define future politics.
In plain terms
We cannot keep crowding people, fighting wars, or using up resources forever.
What can you take from it?
Sustainable policy is essential for survival.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • environmental activism
  • public debate

Putting it to work

  • advocate for conservation
  • support sustainable policies
  • educate on limits

Questions to consider

  • What steps can we take to reduce resource use?
  • How do we shift political priorities?

Another view

Political parties have not yet offered substantive solutions to these problems.

More from Leo J. Ryan

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