We live far beyond our island’s capacity to support us, says Jon Reeds. Also letters from Graham Goddard and Alan Gent
Andy Beckett is right to warn that fears of overcrowding could stoke xenophobia and racism (The myth of an overcrowded Britain suits our island psyche – and this government, 23 December). But it isn’t just “some environmentalists” and countryside lovers who know there is a problem. We live far beyond our island’s capacity to support us. The UK imports around a third of its food; bad for a heavily indebted country that has turned its back on free trade in an unstable world.
England is one of Europe’s most densely populated countries, and parts are buckling ecologically. The water environment is desperately stressed in areas with the highest growth. Biodiversity suffers from habitat fragmentation, pollution and disturbance as we expand our urban footprint. Our addiction to car-dependent sprawl is destroying landscapes that contribute to our wellbeing and our food.
