ABSTRACT
Biology is, as Hardin (1986) has reminded us, rich with insights that indicate a need for a “massive restructuring of popular opinions.” In particular, the supposition that earth is a cornucopia for mankind needs serious modification. Unfortunately, appropriate opinion restructuring is impeded by an inherent antagonismml: although ecologists recognize there are limits to ecosystem sustainability, politicians are professionally compelled to remain deaf to suggestions that growth of human activities and elevation of consumption cannot be perpetual. The ecologists’ time horizons are based on evolution or succession; politicians’ horizons are seldom more than two or four years away, because they get reelected by encouraging electorates to expect them (at least in election years) to promote economic growth.
