06/30 (LWN-Commentary) The ongoing discussion of alternative energy and nuclear power remains unrealistic as overpopulation and genuine energy efficiency go largely overlooked. Regardless of worsening resource depletion and environmental harm, the mainstream media and other corporations continue to promote energy-wasting frivolous new "consumer" products while the government almost encourages parents to have more children.

Regardless of so much talk about "going green", many people continue to use energy-wasting items like big-screen television sets and turn their thermostats near 70F degrees. Despite the recession, some add to their collection of "blackberries", iPhones, and similar units, even as such devices sit charging by the millions. Countless kilowatts of electricity are wasted watching and transmitting insipid TV programs like "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Wipeout", while power-hungry computer servers churn around the clock to deliver websites full of crude gossip, pornography, and fraudulent advertising. Despite some improvements in appliance efficiency, a recent International Energy Agency report identified that "electronic gadgets" are offsetting this and causing consumption to rise. Even the sales of large sport utility vehicles - widely recognized as wasteful - have risen following a temporary reduction in fuel prices.

POPULATION
Year	U.S.	Colombia	China	India	S. Africa
1975	220 million	25 million	927 million	614 million	26 million
2005	300 million	45 million	1.3 billion	1.1 billion	48 million

Source: U.N.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and world population rises year after year. Although pollution, climate change, and various economic problems are indisputably linked to overpopulation, the mainstream media and politicians persist in treating it as a taboo issue. China's efforts to curb population growth are derided in the U.S. media as "dictatorial" and oppressive, even as the same media criticizes China for being heavily polluted. The U.S. government practically encourages population growth by giving benefits and tax incentives for families with numerous children, even as these families increase govt. expenditures on education and other services. Even if some success in reducing energy consumption of vehicles or electronic devices is achieved, population growth will diminish or erase the benefits.

The U.S. and other Western countries will never become "energy independent" or significantly reduce emissions as long as so many individuals continue to put selfish and petty interests first with government, corporate, and media complicity. Before having another child or buying a new Suburban, perhaps people should ask themselves if these desires are truly worth sacrificing the survival of endangered species and the health of other people and the environment in general.