The total sum of all natural resources has yet to be discovered. We were supposed to hit peak oil in what, the 1990's? Trees are on a dramatic decline, but they still exist. No one can correctly or meaningfully count the amount of natural resources left in total existence. And when there's scarcity, another solution tends to emerge as substitute.
As such, as parent stated, it's not a zero sum game. Zero sum assumes you can define the end state.
That being said, whether or not it's zero-sum is meaningless, and I don't take issue with arguing against the parent. Ultimately, the wealth-gap is widening to detrimental effect. The middle class is being divided into haves and have nots.
Whether you believe this is a problem, that's probably another type of discussion.
> We were supposed to hit peak oil in what, the 1990's?
Originally the late 60's, actually, according to Wikipedia.
The failure of Malthusian catastrophes to occur despite centuries of prediction hasn't dampened enthusiasm for predicting them to occur in the near future.
As such, as parent stated, it's not a zero sum game. Zero sum assumes you can define the end state.
That being said, whether or not it's zero-sum is meaningless, and I don't take issue with arguing against the parent. Ultimately, the wealth-gap is widening to detrimental effect. The middle class is being divided into haves and have nots.
Whether you believe this is a problem, that's probably another type of discussion.