ABSTRACT
Economic development and the transition to urban–industrial society based on fossil fuels— is responsible for the success of the species, reflected in its growth and dominance. The natural environment cannot be protected with fences and armed guards. It will only be protected by people who have a stake in its protection. Development programmes can succeed when they promote popular health and welfare, especially of women and the poor. Environmental protection can be promoted when it enhances peoples’ long term survival, and especially when they see direct benefits for themselves and for their children. Activities like population and environmental protection are dealt with by specialized organizations— units of government, non-governmental organizations, and scientific disciplines. Promoting development is widely accepted because it means increasing wealth and possibly welfare. Promoting development is widely accepted because it means increasing wealth and possibly welfare.
