Overpopulation poses two global problems

Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity. Common characteristics of IAS include rapid reproduction and growth, high dispersal ability, and ability to adapt physiologically to new conditions, and ability to survive on various food types and in a wide range of environmental conditions. A good predictor of invasiveness is whether a species has successfully or unsuccessfully invaded elsewhere. For the first time since the dinosaurs disappeared, humans are driving animals and plants to extinction faster than new species can evolve, one of the world's experts on biodiversity has warned. The IUCN created shock waves with its major assessment of the world's biodiversity in 2004, which calculated that the rate of extinction had reached 100-1,000 times that suggested by the fossil records before humans. Now, with animals going extinct 100 to 1,000 times (possibly even 1,000 to 10,000 times) faster than at the normal background extinction rate, which is about 10 to 25 species per year. Many researchers claim that we are in the middle of a mass extinction event faster than the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction which wiped out the dinosaurs. This is due to habitat destruction, overpopulation, over -harvesting of animals, plants and fish, pollution and invasive species. Paul Ehrlich's detractors, those right-wing, denialist often accuse him of being a misanthrope, an anti-humanist. Not only is this ridiculous and hypocritical but it is fundamentally untrue in every way imaginable. Paul Ehrlich has a passion for people and human society and people. ‘Misanthropist’ he most definitely is not. Population control and reduction is a view shared by other leading anthropogenic climate change supporters. In Australia Clive Hamilton and Glenn Albrecht advocate drastic reductions in population. Albrecht, a former Newcastle academic now based in Western Australia, thinks that the true sustainable population of Australia should be no more than the Indigenous population which existed before European settlement occurred. Global Population Speakout: "The size and growth of the planet’s human population are fundamental drivers of the ecological crisis facing us – no less crucial than overproduction and consumption in developed nations. Almost all environmental problems, from biodiversity loss to climate change, are traceable to the interplay of all these factors. "To mitigate this global tragedy, changes in our consumption habits are indispensible. But, so are investments in voluntary family planning and reproductive health. Giving couples everywhere the ability to prevent unplanned pregnancies is critical for the health and well-being of women, their children, their communities and the planet. This February, an international community of ecologists, scholars and concerned citizens will SPEAK OUT for a sustainable population and a sustainable world. Be part of the change. Being misanthropic is not being anti-human but anti-destruction caused by over population. Albert A. Bartlett, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Physics, Author, University of Colorado. United States of America. Anne Ehrlich, Sr. Research Scientist, Biology Dept. and Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University. United States of America. Paul Ehrlich, Ph.D., Bing Professor of Population Studies, President, Center for Conservation Biology, Author, Department of Biology, Stanford University. United States of America.