The silent "e"

By G. Rendell. Now that I've spent (too much) time and effort denigrating the right-hand side of the IPAT equation (environmental Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology), it strikes me that the biggest problem isn't over there on the right (and this from someone rarely reticent to blame the Right for just about anything).  Sure, Population is mathematically a non-factor and sociologically an attractive nuisance.  Technology is just the handmaiden of Affluence; it can be no more until and unless society rethinks some fundamental assumptions.  And Affluence is just a euphemism for consumption. Read more...