Defend or critique Julian Simons’ principle of substitutability with regard to land, habitat, water, and air.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

He argues that when we are exposed to scarcity, humans apply their collective
brainpower and find new sources for scarce resources and new techniques for extracting
them. He disputes the significance of acid rain, global warming, the ozone hole, and
species loss arguing that these issues are exaggerated. He ignores examples of failed
technology like the green revolution that has resulted in much water pollution and loss
of habitat.