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Superabundance is the idea that resources are virtually unlimited and that any limits can be overcome by science and technology. Scarcity is the idea that the planet has a limited capacity and that resources can be completely exausted resulting in a collapse of ecosystems.
Superabundance vs ScarcityHistorically, superabundance was a common theory as the world seemed like a very big place before population expanded and the use of technology such as automobiles dramatically increased the amount of resources used by each person.Scarcity springs from the observation that scaling up human development and technology has resulted in broad environmental issues such as extinctions and polluted land, water and air. It is associated with the idea that the planet can only accept a limited amount of waste products before its ecosystems collapse. Superabundance is commonly embraced by those who feel that technology can drive environmental impact towards zero allowing large populations to enjoy material wealth without harming the planet. Others feel that rapidly expanding technological capabilities are more of a threat than a solution.In theory, technology can create abundance without destroying the planet. However, societies don't have a particularly strong track record of managing technology risks or directing technology in a way that's beneficial to quality of life and the environment.|
| Superabundance | Scarcity | | Definition | The idea that resources are unlimited due to technological progress. | The idea that resources are limited and that human development and technology has caused destructive over-exploitation. | | Example | Space exploration can create wealth without tapping the Earth's resources. | Technology has a history of creating large risks and unintended consequences. As technology grows at a hyperbolic rate this represents an existential risk. | | Accused of Being | Blindly optimisticA neglect of risk management | Pessimistic Anti-development |
Sustainability
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