Agenda - 08-25-2008- c2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~aa The concept of carrying capacity is highly problematic when applied to HUMAN populations. Human populations and developed nations in particular 1) exploit the resources of the ENTIRE planet, and 2) affect the ENITIZE planet with their waste (pollution). Until this is no longer the case, using the concept of carrying capacity -particularly for relatively small areas such as a county - to "analyze" the number of humans an area can support is arbitrary and erroneous. The most prudent course of action is to use the resources we have as efficiently as possible. As residents of one of the wealthiest nations in the world, we have not met this challenge adequately. If Orange County were to maximize the efficiency with which it uses its resources and to find ways to recycle our waste, additional population could easily be accommodated in the county without additional environmental impacts. It simply depends on the choices we make. As a society, we are trying to bring about a major shift in how we live. Unfortunately, we are late. It is incumbent upon all of us, and governments in particular, to do everything in our power as humans to live in ways that tread very lightly on our beleaguered planet. There is much work to do, but we see the potential of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan to make a positive difference for people and for the environment. Sincerely, J a v~.es ca rwa h a w James Carnahan, Chairman, on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Village Project, Inc. The Village Project • PO Box 68S • Carrboro NC 27510 • 9I9-942-6114 • wwwthevillageproject.cozn 4