Yorick,
I did not know that about Mauritania, will have to do a little research!
As for the destruction of forest but ignoring of the desert. I think it is the simple fact that the 'climate' that allows for the growth of forest and grasslands is also is best suited for human comfort. Who would really choose to live in the desert? Humans look first for comfort and then worry about what that comfort costs at a much later date.
I understand the desire to reproduce...that really is the basic fundamental underlying every species. But, why do we have to increase? I agree that wealth does bring smaller family size. The basic reason behind it is the fact that a) families do not need 6,7,8 children to work the farm...and b) wealth brings better living conditions (i.e. health care, water purification) and this pretty much gaurentees that all of your children will reach adulthood, so you do not have to have 6 children with the hopes that 2 or 3 will reach adulthood.
My question is, why do couples feel the need to have more than 2 children. What is wrong with simply replenishing the species rather than increasing it? I know we cannot remove the right to have children, but couldn't there be a cap on it? This does not discriminate against the poor any more than the rich!
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Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig
I've got to admit it's getting better, it's getting better all the time
Bossman of Better Funny Stuff.....of the Laughing Hyenas!