Resources and Population

Proceedings of the 1972 Eugenics Society conference edited by Bernard Benjamin, Peter R. Cox and John Peel

"Here is the second work prepared by the Eugenics Society and published by Academic Press – part of a continuing series each of which stands on its own but, additionally, is related with some care to the contents of the others.

This volume describes the difficulties that population growth poses to those concerned with the provision of natural and manufactured resources.

The range of contributions is wide. We learn, for instance, how past shortages have led to starvation and even cannibalism, how modern food processing can be less efficient than primitive man’s food-gathering, how resources are being dissipated and how many as yet unbuilt towns will be filled by the next few generations.

Leading scientists consider the aims and discoveries of the latest research and give cool and expert appraisals of some of those issues which, in other works, tend to receive over-emotive treatment. Not all the bleak predictions of prominent American ‘doomsters’ are accepted and a distinguished British economist gives a balanced evaluation of the good and bad elements in the picture.

Resources and Population contains much of importance for those involved with economics, sociology, demography, geography and planning generally: it will also hold a special appeal for all who are interested in conservation and the social responsibilities of scientists."  (From the dust jacket of the book)

ISBN 0-12-088 350-3

Main contents General Introduction: From Domesday to Doomsday? Michael Chisholm Water Resources: Future Prospects Barry Rydz Human Calorie and Protein Needs and How Far They are Satisfied Today P. V. Sukhatme Adverse Effect of Sickness on Tropical Agriculture Margaret Haswell The Energy Cost of "Food-Gathering" J. H. Lawton Sources of Energy and Their Adequacy for Man’s Needs F. W. Hutber and C. I. K. Forster Resources, Renewable and Non-Renewable John Davoll Population Crises in the Past T. H. Hollingsworth Population Pressure on Resources: The Problem of Evaluation John I. Clarke The Galton Lecture 1972: Economic Policy and the Threat of Doom J. E. Meade Service Provision and Local Needs Bleddyn Davies The Future Need for New Towns in Britain David Hall Competing Priorities for Land Use Francis J. C. Amos

We regret that we no longer have any copies of this book available for sale.  Second-hand copies have been offered on the Internet for as little as £2.68 + shipping.  The General Secretary may be able to provide photocopies of individual chapters for 20p per page.