Socioeconomic Equity, Sustainability, and Earth's Carrying Capacity

Abstract

We examine the relationship between socioeconomic equity in opportunity and sustainability, as reflected in patterns of food production and fertility. Our analysis spans various levels of social organization, from within the household (gender‐ and age‐related equity) to relations among households (of different material wealth), among regions (particularly rural vs. urban), and among nations (rich and poor). Our preliminary results in this complex area suggest that increasing equality of opportunity at each of these levels can help to increase food production and to lower fertility rates, through varied mechanisms. Working toward such equity constitutes a no regrets strategy for transitioning to a sustainable society and increasing Earth's carrying capacity for human beings, as measures to reduce the growing disparity between rich and poor have merit on ethical grounds alone. An important caveat, however, is that equity in consumer lifestyles within and between nations cannot be achieved globally by leveling up to consumption from the bottom. Runaway consumption in rich countries must be curbed as part of an effort to reduce the scale of human enterprise to below carrying capacity while still permitting needed development among the poor.

Financial comparisons of the artisanal fisheries in Urubupungá Complex in the middle Paraná River (Brazil)

“…Within this context, fishery at present is an economic activity in which profit depends on the educational level of those who devote themselves to it profit inequalities detected in this study, and also Okada et al (1997) and Agostinho et al (1994b), support the points raised by in those of Daily & Ehrlich (1996) and Firth (1998) in discussing the effects of public educational policies on profits of less-favored populations. Accordingly to Brenton (1991), fishering communities can be regarded as relatively homogeneous social groups, but their internal components require study because, depending on the variables considered, project development can lead to different hypotheses and concrete solutions.…”

New consumers: The influence of affluence on the environment

“…I ncreasing consumption and especially its environmental impacts (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) are becoming all the more important now that the 850 million long-established consumers in rich countries have recently been joined by almost 1.1 billion new consumers in 17 developing and three transition countries. Most of these new consumers are far from possessing the spending capacity of the long-established consumers, but they have enough aggregate spending capacity, in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), to match that of the U.S. Their numbers, consumption activities, and environmental impact are rising fast.…”

Managed Multi-strata Tree + Crop Systems: An Agroecological Marvel

“…Moreover, it became infeasible to sustain these benefits in the long run (Pingali, 2012). Furthermore, disruption of intergenerational equity resulting from excessive use of finite resources beyond the regenerative capabilities of nature might deprive the future generations of their ability to access their rightful share of natural capital (Daily and Ehrlich, 1996;Costanza et al, 1997). Today, the importance of conserving the natural resource capital of soil, water, air, and biodiversity is also being recognized while maintaining the main focus on enhancing production of preferred commodities.…”