Discussing why population growth is still ignored or denied. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kopnina, Helen; Washington, Haydn
• Is Part Of: Chinese journal of population resources and environment. Volume 14:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Population growth -- overpopulation -- sustainability; Population -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Natural resources -- China -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- China -- Periodicals; Environmental protection; Natural resources; Population -- Environmental aspects; China; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1080/10042857.2016.1149296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1004-2857

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Due to a number of factors outlined in this article, the issue of population growth is excluded from the sustainability discussion. In this article, we explore some of the ethical presumptions that underlie the issues linking population growth and sustainability. Critics argue that action to address population creates social and economic segregation, and portray overpopulation concerns as being "anti-poor, " "anti-developing country, " or even "antihuman." Yet, de-linking demographic factors from sustainability concerns ignores significant global realities and trends, such as the ecological limits of the Earth, the welfare and long-term livelihood of the most vulnerable groups, future prospects of humanity, as well as the ecosystems that support society.