introduction, Chain Reaction #91, 2004

author: Cam Walker

This issue of Chain Reaction is based largely on the FoE Australia population and environment project, which was launched in 2001.

FoEA is keenly aware of the fact that concern for 'the environment' is sometimes used as a rationale for opposing further immigration to Australia. Through this project FoEA seeks to encourage broader debate about what the key threats really are to the ecosystems of the Australian continent. We believe that over consumption of resources (and corresponding over production of greenhouse gases and other wastes) rather than population growth is the key issue relating to environmental sustainability in Australia.

FoEA does recognise that the Australian community needs to have a debate about what may constitute a sustainable human population for this country. However, we would argue that this needs to occur with full recognition of the responsibilities that come with being amongst the highest per capita producer of greenhouse gases of any nation on the planet, the need to address the rising numbers of environmental refugees, and international perspectives that involve global equity in terms of access to resources. A simple focus on population will not lead us to outcomes that are able to deal with the complexities of living in a globalised world.

In deciding to dedicate an edition of our magazine to the vexed and, at times, emotional issues of population, environment and immigration, we sought to invite a diversity of views. We approached a number of authors and organisations with different opinions on the matter to ours. Sustainable Population Australia was the only one to take up this offer. However, we hope that in some small way this does generate a broader debate, especially within the environment movement. We also thought this would be a good edition to relaunch a letters section in Chain Reaction. Please feel free to send letters on this edition's theme for publication in issue #92.

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This edition is the first one without Karen Anson and Tim Parish. Both have been involved for some time in managing and producing the magazine, but busy schedules have made it impossible for them to keep going with Chain Reaction. We wish to pass on our appreciation for all their efforts during these last few years: you'll be added to the CR hall of fame in due course.

Finally, we have also introduced a new 'essay' section, which seeks to make CR a little more flexible in terms of dealing with current issues. While we want to continue with the theme-based approach (the next two issues will be the environment movement in the Global South, and the state of the nuclear industry in Australia) we also want to find ways to increase broader debate and commentary on current issues in the environment and social justice movements. This edition's essay is by Frank Fisher, and looks at the question of renewables and energy conservation.

As always, your feedback is welcomed; we strive to make CR an accessible forum for the broader movement; so please feel free to send news, letters and essays.