The Malthus Myth: Population, Poverty and Climate Change

Toronto, May 22, 2010.

• Ian Angus, editor of Climate and Capitalism, author of The Global Fight for Climate Justice, Anti-capitalist Responses to Global Warming and Environmental Destruction. Ian is also Associate Editor of Socialist Voice.

Note from Ian Angus: This talk, includes a misleading comment on emissions generated by the U.S. military in Iraq.

I said: “Between 2003 and 2006, U.S. military action in Iraq alone generated more CO2 emissions than 139 countries. … If the entire population of more than 100 Third World countries disappeared overnight, it would have less effect on global warming than abolishing the U.S. military.”

I should have said: “Between 2003 and 2006, U.S. military action in Iraq generated more CO2 emissions than each of 139 countries. … If the entire population of any of more than 100 Third World countries disappeared overnight, it would have less effect on global warming than abolishing the U.S. military.”

I apologize for the error, which was the result of speaking from rough notes. The environmental devastation caused by the U.S. in Iraq is great enough without me exaggerating it. — Ian Angus

This was recorded at the Socialism 2010: Socialism or Barbarism Conference in Toronto.