Triage

"Be fruitful," advises Judeo-Christian Scripture, “and multiply, and replenish the earth." Eight centuries BCE global population is inferred to have been roughly five millions, soaring to between 50 and 60 millions when Julius Caesar fell, and escalating in the mid-17th century to about half a billion. A significant benchmark of one billion, reached circa 1804, doubled in 123 years to 2 billions by 1927, and to 3 billions in 1960. Only 14 years later, in 1974, 4 billions crowded the world, growing to 5 billions by 1987, 6 by 1999, and 7 billions in late 2011. Despite wars, famines, pestilence, the effects of climate change and a plethora of natural disasters, the relentless numbers keep marching upward at an alarming, exponential rate, hence global projections by the U.S. Census Bureau and United Nations Organization indicate a total of eight billions will be reached in a relatively short span, increasing to approximately 9 billions by 2046. But what lies beyond the crucial nexus when our planet can no longer tolerate the succeeding multitudes? Learn the draconian population control tactic illustrated in TRIAGE, and pray that this fictional account never becomes a reality.