"You cannot grow unlimitedly on a finite planet." This is the conclusion reached in 1972 by the biophysicist and scientist Donella Meadows and 17 other professionals from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, through the study The Limits to Growth. And today, half a century later, this idea has become more relevant than ever, since "we are in the worst of all the scenarios drawn by the study."
This was stated by the biotechnologist Gabriela Vázquez on Radio Laznarote-Onda Cero, who will participate in the seminar The Limits of the Planet - Lanzarote and its Limits that will be hosted by the Island Council this Thursday and Friday.
Our way of life takes us down the worst path
The study led by Meadows determined that there are limits beyond the seashore, and, beyond that, "the environmental problems we have do not only come because certain parameters are where they should not be - such as having more waste than we can manage - but because we are immersed in a dynamic where we spend more than we have," explains Vázquez.
Therefore, 50 years after the study, it is evident that our future depends on physical and technical issues, but also sociopolitical ones: "There are things we can do right now that would allow us to adapt to this worrying situation, but because of the development model we have adopted on how we want to build, relate and consume, and that we continue to perpetuate, we are heading straight for the worst of ports."
"Every time we review the type of measures proposed by the report, we see that the decisions we make take us down the worst path," details the scientist.
Need for a global approach
And, although it is true that issues such as the limits of the territory or degrowth are more on everyone's lips, "the measures that are approved are insufficient, because they do not provide a systemic vision."
The biotechnologist explains that we cannot solve the problem by going to the end of it, but we must act on the causes, "and these have to do with very established dynamics."
"For example, we have decided to take population growth as a good reality, which fights against aging and gives signs of vitality. But in reality, it is leading us to the precipice," she clarifies.
Likewise, in this change of vision, the professional also highlights the importance of putting globalization at the center of the debate, because "everything is increasingly related, and what we do here has consequences in other parts of the planet."
"We must focus on the issue in a global way, analyzing how much we produce and pollute and what resources we have as a whole," defends Vázquez.
The islands, more aware of the limitations
Regarding these issues, there are more advanced territories, at least, on the awareness that there are limits. And one of them is Lanzarote.
As the scientist explains, the islands have a greater perception of the need for self-limitation, among other things, because these "barriers" are more visible.
"The fact of being literally isolated helps spaces like Lanzarote to focus on the island as a system in itself, where everything is studied from a joint point of view," in line with what Vázquez pointed out about the need to adopt a global perspective.
Being well is not synonymous with having more
Due to this system in which we are immersed, the human race has two different solutions for the same reality.
"The reality is that there will be an increasing decrease in the amount of energy and elements that can be consumed," indicates Vázquez, "so there are two solutions: either that those with greater purchasing power can reach the resources sooner or give rise to other types of measures, chosen by all, to distribute under criteria of justice and equity."
Therefore, it is possible to escape from that apocalyptic future that we are increasingly close to, but achieving it depends on a paradigm shift: "There are technical solutions to cover the needs of all people, but not unlimited desires, so we must begin to think that being well does not mean having more each year," concludes the professional.
