In the late 1960s, Paul Ehrlich predicted that the world was facing the mass extinction of land and sea animals. He predicted that the coastline would have to be evacuated ten years after his first book was written due to the smell of dead fish. After the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings last week, Paul Ehrlich was seen on CBS’ 60 Minutes, restating arguments he made almost 50 years ago. The Gwartney team discusses issues with Elhrich’s logic and presents arguments against mass extinction. We suggest that humans are inherently different from other animals for we have the ability to innovate with the resources around us. We must strive toward policies that encourage innovation and away from over-restrictive policies that limit the use of resources.
Timeline:
Humans Are Equal to Animals? / 4:30
Humans Create Ideal Circumstances / 7:00
Endogeneity Problem / 11:00
No Claim to Mass Extinction / 14:00
Stewardship & Private Property / 19:45
Basic Needs Must Be Met to Adust Priorities / 26:00
People Are The SOLUTION / 35:00
Paul Ehrlich - The Population Bomb
Julien Simon - The Ultimate Resource