Mammals in Decline

Today we’re reminded that there is significant news in the world beyond economics and politics.

Researchers who have been studying mammal populations “estimate that one in four species is threatened with extinction and that the population of one in two is declining” (Scientists: 1 in 4 Mammals Faces Extinction, Randolph Schmid, AP/Live Science, 6 Oct 2008).

The article goes on to state, “Within our lifetime hundreds of species could be lost as a result of our own actions, a frightening sign of what is happening to the ecosystems where they live.”

Since loss of habitat is a significant factor, my mind turns to population trends. In the Seventh-day Adventist official statement on birth control, reproduction is connected with environment concerns, specifically the correlation between “population growth and the use of natural resources.” However, no conclusion is made nor prescriptive steps offered.

So what do you think? Is overpopulation a problem that we should work to limit (through contraceptives, economic development or other means) or is it a blessing for our evangelistic efforts as these are souls who need to hear about Jesus?

More reading on loss of life on Earth:

• The Current Mass Extinction
• PBS.org (picture)

More reading on population trends:

• Wikipedia.org
• Cosmosmith.com
• Overpopulation.net
• CNN.com
• National Geographic
• LifeIssues.net (~myths)
• Population Awareness

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