If folks had the freedom to do for themselves in some of those poor countries, and were not forced by their leaders to live on land that is not arable, they could feed their families, and have extra with which to barter for the other goods they need. As you said, humans are capable of figuring out solutions, if they're allowed the freedom to do so.
Heh...except he thinks overpopulation is the problem here, too. If we didn’t have as many people, we wouldn’t have the same demand for fuel, hence the problem would go away.
I pointed out that the fuel we used has changed before (i.e. very few in the US heat with coal anymore), and he says no, it’s just moved to the power plants so we can use electricity. Pointing out that this depends on where said power plant exists and that even the power plants have adjusted to use new means...that got me nowhere ‘cause I don’t have statistics memorized.
I’m just not good at it. And when I *know* I’m right and can’t prove it, it ticks me off. ;-)