Population and Panaceas A Technological Perspective

Abstract

The proposition that technology can solve the problems posed by the sheer size of present and projected world populations is examined in detail. The probable potential for short- and long-term gains in agricultural technology, ocean fisheries, desalination of seawater, nuclear power production, and related areas is evaluated in the framework of known and predicted requirements. It is concluded that in the absence of effective population control measures any imaginable technological effort will fall short.