And what about overpopulation?

Nestor Burgos reported well on the conference on fisheries and aquatic resources and therefore on the science involved (“Heed lessons of climate change, gov’t urged,” Across the Nation, 10/27/14), but what about the overpopulation in the Philippines?

Many of the dead and injured in the aftermath of typhoons are people living in poor structures in low-lying areas that are quickly flooded or devastated. In most cases, these areas are considered by the government unfit for residency but “squatters” occupy them anyway. Isn’t this one of the lessons of climate change?

This is the legacy of overpopulation. Why would scientists not address this fact? Why does not the government address overpopulation in a meaningful way? And why does the Roman Catholic Church continue to be part of the problem rather than part of the solution?

—ROWLAND LANE ANDERSON,

Veterans For Peace Philippines,

Imperial Apartments, Davao City