This is a discussion of the lifeboat metaphor as it applies to the present population dilemma. (BB)

The author suggests the metaphor "Spaceship Earth" has difficulties within a world that has no captain nor an executive committee. He suggests an alternative metaphor, that of a lifeboat. The lifeboat metaphor is applied to various nations and effects of policies related to population growth, food production, food distribution, immigration and…

Describes three major sources of agreement and disagreement about population policy, i.e., the crisis environmentalists, the family planners, and the developmental distributivists. Discusses moral considerations relating to population policy. Lists types of policies suggested in the World Plan of Action at Bucharest (Population Council, 1974). (CS)

Presented is a question and answer interview with Garrett Hardin, author of "The Tragedy of the Commons" and "Living on a Lifeboat", pertaining to future trends in population. (SL)

Emphasizes that integrated environmental management and cooperation is needed for managing the interacting relationships between resources, technology and the minimal needs for sustaining decent standards of human life and protecting the environment on which that life depends. (LS)

Recounts some of the progress that has been made in the field of population biology. Presents some of the important advances made in the field, along with some of their applications to societal problems. Calls for more cooperation between population scientists and social scientists, and more environmental education for the public. (TW)