Strained resources prompt societal collapse from "summary" of Collapse by Jared M. Diamond
In explaining why societies collapse, I have identified a common thread: the strain placed on resources. When a society's demand for resources exceeds the capacity of the environment to provide them, it sets off a chain reaction that can lead to collapse. This is not a new phenomenon; it has played out repeatedly throughout history, from the Mayan civilization to the Norse colonies in Greenland. One of the key drivers of resource strain is population growth. As a society's population increases, so too does its need for food, water, and other essentials. If these needs cannot be met sustainably, the society will deplete its resources and face collapse. This was the case for the Anasazi people of the American Southwest, who outstripped the carrying capacity of their environment and were forced to abandon their settlements. Another factor that can exacerbate resource strain is environmental degradation. When a society fails to manage its resources responsibly, it can degrade its environment to the point where it can no longer support human life. This was the fate of the Easter Islanders, who deforested their island and exhausted their soil, leading to widespread famine and societal collapse. In some cases, resource strain is not caused by population growth or environmental degradation, but by external factors such as climate change or trade imbalances. The Greenland Norse, for example, were heavily dependent on imported goods, and when their trade routes were disrupted, they found themselves unable to survive in their harsh environment. The lesson to be learned from these examples is clear: societies must manage their resources wisely if they are to avoid collapse. This means taking a long-term view of sustainability, balancing the needs of the present with the needs of the future. It also means being willing to adapt to changing circumstances, whether they are caused by internal or external factors.- The fate of a society rests on its ability to steward its resources effectively. If it fails in this task, it will find itself on a path to collapse, with all the attendant suffering and upheaval that entails. It is a sobering reminder of the fragility of human civilization and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
