Dear Mike
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. The purpose of my essay was how a change in our perception about the true dimensions of our planet could be an effective strategy for moving humanity beyond the atmosphere giving it more space and more resources for its development and survival. In other publications, I have addressed the existential risks and the possible solutions inherent in the Space Option concept.
I don't believe I specifically mentioned "overpopulation" and "uncontrolled growth" as "the" problems, although it is generally acknowledged that the growth in population, now and in the coming decades, is straining both our societal structures and the ecological balance of the planet.
Indeed I wrote: ."Humanity itself must be considered as its most valuable resource and, in order to steer the future, its overriding challenge is to find suitable ways to feed, clothe and otherwise nourish this resource in a comfortable and prosperous manner without upsetting the social and ecological balance.".
We have seen that as soon as a society or a nation obtains a certain higher standard of living its population stabilizes. Thus, having a goal to provide a higher standard of living for all the inhabitants of Earth should then become a priority. Surely, humanity's chances for dealing with its current and future problems will be far better in a "resource rich" future rather than in a "resource poor" one and these additional resources may be accessed in the realm of Greater Earth. Thus a change in our perception may enable this to happen.
I wrote on page 4:
"Within the boundaries of Greater Earth our species will find the room, resources and opportunities that it will need to survive and prosper in the coming millennium. To do so, its next step is to exercise its fullest capabilities to occupy and enjoy this new territory. Undertaken responsibility and consequently the severe pressures and stresses currently facing our civilization may be mitigated which may in turn lead to eventually achieving worldwide security, prosperity and ecological balance. "
For the environmentalists, the technologists and for many other areas of society, this concept could satisfy and incorporate their specific goals. For most of humanity, the ultimate benefit would be having a realistic hope in a prosperous and peaceful future with many new possibilities. I would say that is would be an attractive benefit on the far side of the passage that you mention.
If you haven't already done so, I suggest you read Walter Putnam's concise and eloquent essay that adds the necessary "guiding principle" to this discussion.
Thanks and good luck to you, too,
Arthur