Has Humanity Reached the Stationary Phase of its Growth Curve?

Abstract

This short commentary asks whether humanity has reached the stationary phase of its growth curve. The author argues that current military aggression and terror by several states and organizations, together with escalating religious-based fanaticism and extremism, raise fears of a chaotic future and of the demolition of the order achieved after World War II. These political threats add to the detrimental outcomes of human activity, including the loss of species and destruction of ecosystems, impairment of protective atmospheric compounds, rising temperatures and sea levels, and massive contamination of the environment and food products. The author compares this situation to the growth curve of bacterial cells in a laboratory flask, in which exponential growth is followed by a stationary phase when resources become scarce and, finally, by the death of the culture. The commentary criticises the apathy of the public, the media and the international community, and the scientific ignorance of many political leaders. It proposes several fundamental changes: operative steps to minimise global risks dictated by a united world leadership, a reduction in fighting over territories, resources, religious belief, gender and racism, a total ban on the threat of nuclear or biological weapons, and stronger initiatives and publicity campaigns explaining the need for major changes in human life habits. It is presented as an urgent reminder against complacency.

Abstract prepared by the editorial office from the full text of the article; the authors did not supply one.