Though Thomas Homer-Dixon does make an interesting point about the inability of the global economy to continue growing, I would be inclined to disagree with him. His main focus is on humanity’s inability to face environmental and resource constraints, which will in turn cripple economic growth however I believe humans will be able to adapt to new challenges like they have done in the past. Many of his key examples also neglect to take into account this type of human adaptation. For example, he uses China’s recent restrictions on rare-earth metals to exemplify the type of increased environmental impact that will happen with a decreased supply of these elements. The author believes that the opening of new mines on less concentrated deposits will increase the amount of pollution and negative impacts on the environment but this is not always the case, especially when talking about rare-earth metals. Though China is the worlds largest producer of rare-earth metals there are many other countries such as Australia who have substantial deposits. These countries also have incredibly more stringent mining regulations then China, especially with concerns to the environment. Therefore opening new mines with stronger environmental protection policies could prove more beneficial than the continuing operations and overexertion of mines with practically non-existent safety and environmental regulations.

Homer-Dixon also goes through greats lengths to describe how a decreased supply, and an increased cost of oil will cause increased use of natural gas and coal products. What he neglects to mention is how there also exists the possibility of increased uses of non-greenhouse gas emitting energies that can rival the energy production of fossil fuels such as nuclear energy.

Though I do agree whole-heartedly with the statement that economic growth is a necessity to the increasing of worldwide standards of living, I disagree with the negative outlook that Homer-Dixon has. The human race is incredibly adept in its ability to adapt and change, a fact proven throughout history. The current environmental challenges are no different. Humans will find alternative energy supplies, and alternative means to continue growth as a species.