The Next Page: Too many people on Earth? Discuss.
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In her 2004 collection "An Alchemy of Mind," philosopher-poet Diane Ackerman comments on the "dazzling" range of variation among Homo sapiens compared to other animals: "How is it possible for vast numbers of humans to have elaborate, novel personalities?"
"Vast numbers of humans" is a hot topic of late, since Earth's population reached the 7 billion mark just the other week. Someone needs to go up again and repaint the galactic signpost that reads, "Welcome to Earth! Population: 6 billion," a mark we hit back in 1999.
On the third floor of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, there is an exhibition that explores this very topic. "Population Impact," opened in 2009, explores how Earth's larger-than-ever number of humans affects Earth and everything on it, from city people to city parks. As we surpass the 7 billion milestone that was unfathomable to our forebears, Population Impact provides a framework for tackling the question, "What's next?"
The exhibition was partially funded by Pittsburgh's Colcom Foundation, whose focus includes the causes and consequences of overpopulation. Colcom Vice President John F. Rohe, who has written widely on the topic, frames the question this way: "How do we define a responsible balance between ourselves and the web of life in which we are perilously embedded? The ecosystem is resilient to an extent, but it's also fragile. And we're testing the fragility."
The mission of the museum includes public engagement with science, assuring everyday folk that they don't need a Ph.D. to engage in conversations about issues that concern them. And over this exhibition's nearly two years of existence, a fascinating dialogue has resulted on the feedback board: Nearly 2,000 comments on the index cards provided for the purpose.
The stubby, museum-provided pencil is mightier than the sword for these visitors. Some furiously defend deer hunting in 2-inch-tall letters. Teens give the Earth a virtual hug via hot pink glitter pens and heart-dotted i's. Activists take the conservation message to heart, writing on a corner torn from the museum floor plan rather than using the index cards provided. Many cards include drawings. Few mince words.
First Published November 13, 2011 12:00 am
