Editorial Introduction

David Samways

doi:10.3197/jps.63772239439850

Abstract

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Highlights

As I write this editorial, the COP26 talks in Glasgow have recently concluded
Steffen et al (2015) show that while population growth has been greatest in the Global South, economic growth and consumption – and growth in carbon emissions – have been concentrated in the Global North
As I argue in the review paper published in this issue, the disjuncture between environmental impact and fertility rates should be understood in terms of the shifting longer-term relationships between economic development, population growth and environmental impact

Summary

Introduction

As I write this editorial, the COP26 talks in Glasgow have recently concluded. The final Glasgow Climate Pact has fallen far short of limiting emissions to remain below the Paris Agreement’s ambition of no more than 2o C of warming above pre-industrial levels by mid-century. One of the most significant sources of scepticism about the need to address population growth as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation is the observation that a country’s fertility rate and its per capita carbon emissions are POPULATION AND SUSTAINABILITY VOL 6, NO 1, 2022 generally inversely correlated.

Results

Conclusion