Population Growth and Sustainability

The global population reached 7 billion in 2011, but defining population's role in achieving sustainability has been critical before this point. Though there is uncertainty inherent in population projections, many question on how much more the planet can support in the long term. In ecology the carrying capacity is the maximum, equilibrium population that can be sustained indefinitely in any given environment. For humans, the carrying capacity is dependent on complex variables based within culture and levels of economic development. Has humanity's ingenuity created a situation that relies on drastic actions, and should these actions be determined by political ideology?

China's one-child policy is an example of an extreme social experiment that has successfully slowed population and increased prosperity. Yet environmental problems stemming from industrial expansion and increased consumption due to a growing middle class, have not been averted. Collectively, China has the greatest ecological footprint than any other country (Weiss, 2012). Furthermore, reports of forced abortions and sterilisations violate human rights and should not be allowed to happen. Policies should not control people's personal choices, the choice to reproduce or not is an inherent human right (Datta, 2011). The population issue is an environmental and human rights issue based on how resources are managed and allocated as well as how much access there is to sanitation, healthcare, education and informed decision-making. Good governance should be consensus oriented and reproduction as a human right must also be considered by decision-makers.

Implicit in sustainability is the moral conviction of maintaining resources, unchanged and undiminished, for future generations. Sustainable development is about the reshaping of human activity, lifestyle and perception of the natural world. The empowerment of people to make sustainable choices is key to a sustainable population. If a resource becomes exhausted, people will either adapt or diminish. People need to be able to envision a possible future that isn't catastrophic, but a future with a supportable quality of life. If people are given the opportunity to consider and articulate their needs, as well as have genuine support by policy makers to realise their rights, then lifestyle choices that work for the individual, the community and the environment will be made.

References

1. Datta, N. (2011) 'Politics and religion should have no influence on population policy'. Guardian Global Development Blog. http://www.populationandsustainability.org/1800/news/politics-and-religion-should-have-no-influence-on-population-policy.html

2. Weiss, K. (2012) 'China's population and economy are a double whammy for the world' LA Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/population/la-fg-population-matters4-20120727-html,0,4128486.htmlstory