Africa Geographic June 2007 [antikvár]

founder's note C It is often assumed, incorrectly and with great arrogance, that when you talk about population, it is the 'teeming millions' of the developing world that are 'the problem' j j I am delighted that in this issue we carry Ian McCallum's tribute to Dr Ian Player, for what a contribution that man has made to Africa and its consen/ation. Dr Player, self-effacing as ever, is quick to pass credit to others and slow to accept it for himself. He cites Colonel Jack Vincent, former director of the then Natal Parks Board, as his inspiration and mentor, but I wonder if he ever reflects on how many conservationists today regard him as an inspiration and mentor. I know that there are many and I count myself among them. It is Dr Player's closing reflection that really struck a chord with me. 'I worry about the growing human population and its potential negative impact on the wild areas of the world,' he says. 'I know that humans have a right to exist, but so do other species. I also know that nature will re-establish its balance and, if we won't work with her, she will do the job on her own. Nature is not in a hurry and, as we know, she can be ruthless.' I am presently involved in the planning and execution of our focus issue on climate change, due out in August this year There can be little doubt that human activities are at the core of what is termed anthropogenic climate change. There is no escaping the fact -we have caused it. Therefore, the more there are of us causing more and more atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions, the greater the problem. The world cannot sustain the carbon footprint of the developed world, let alone the rest of the world aspiring to the same levels of prosperity. It has been argued that if all the world enjoyed the same standard of living as the United States, as of this moment we would need the equivalent of several earths' worth of resources. Even with all the mitigation processes in place, increasing human populations will drive our collective footprint ever upwards. It is often assumed, incorrectly and with great arrogance, that when you talk about population, it is the 'teeming millions' of the developing world that are 'the problem'. Millions of poor people do raise challenges associated with health and quality of life, but they are not the offenders when it comes to carbon footprint. That ball of responsibility lies firmly in the court of the developed world. It is indeed sadly ironic, therefore, that the continent of Africa (South Africa being the anomaly), which has done so little to cause global warming, is likely, according to climate forecasters, to be one of the main victims of its effects. So when I talk about population I mean everyone, everywhere. Population control, however, is widely regarded as a taboo subject, with religious and other moral and socio-political sectors often objecting to it even being on the table for discussion. Despite the highly emotive nature of the subject, it must be discussed and addressed. Improving access to family planning, public education regarding the consequences of continued population growth, and, most especially, the empowerment of women in all spheres of all societies, is crucial. About our magazine Alrica Geographic is etjitorialiy anrj financiaiiy intiependent. it enjoys tile support and endorsement of several non-government organisations, but it is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group. Alrka Geographic strives to foster an awareness of wildlife, conservation, eco-travel, indigenous cultures and the general environment. It consistently advocates the wisest use of natural resources in a manner that involves and is of real benefit to the people of Africa. Africa Geographic is published 11 times a year.