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170 <br />The concept of carrying capacity is highly problematic when applied to HUMAN <br />populations. Human populations and developed nations in particular 1) exploit the resources <br />of the ENTIRE planet, and 2) affect the ENTIRE planet with their waste (pollution). Until this is <br />no longer the case, using the concept of carrying capacity -particularly for relatively small areas <br />such as a county - to "analyze" the number of humans an area can support is arbitrary and <br />erroneous. <br />The most prudent course of action is to use the resources we have as efficiently as possible. <br />As residents of one of the wealthiest nations in the world, we have not met this challenge <br />adequately. If Orange County were to maximize the efficiency with which it uses its resources <br />and to find ways to recycle our.waste, additional population could easily be accommodated in <br />the county without additional envirgnmental impacts. <br />It simply depends'on the.choices we make. As a society, we are trying to bring about a <br />major shift in how we live. Unfortunately, we are late. It is incumbent upon all of us, and <br />governments in particular, to do everything in our power as humans to live in ways that tread <br />very lightly on our beleaguered planet. <br />There is much work to do, but we see the potential of the Orange County Comprehensive <br />Plan to make a positive difference for people and for the environment. <br />Sincerely, <br />J a wc.es ca rwa !~ a w <br />James Carnahan, Chairman, <br />on behalf of the Board of Directors of <br />The Village Project, Inc. <br />The Village Project ~ PO Box 685 • Carrboro NC 27510 m 919-942-6114 = www tlievillagepraject.com 4 <br />