The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World

The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World by Charles C. Mann

Norman Borlaug and William Vogt had very different responses to the question of human population growth. Borlaug launched the green revolution. He found ways to increase the food production capacity. He helped breed high-yielding crops. By applying the proper fertilizer and water with the right breed of crop, farmers can produce much greater yields on smaller land. Vogt looked at the negativity of growth and encouraged reductions in the human footprint.

Borlaug won the Nobel prize. However, his achievements are now being reassessed. While it has helped increase yields, there have also been negative results, ranging from environmental degradation to unemployment and obesity.

Now climate change is a big concern. However, we continue to have wizards looking at ways we can continue to consume as before while limiting our carbon footprint. Maybe now is the time to re-think consumption and look at how we can get by with less.