Increased Longevity, Quality of Life, and Carrying Capacity on a Finite Planet

Abstract

One event, such as increased human longevity, is impossible to accomplish without having other, perhaps unintended, effects. In addition to the effects on human society, other arguably equally important, effects will occur in the biosphere—the planet's ecological life support system. Sustainable use of the planet requires an objective evaluation of the consequences of changes in any critical parameter such as human life span. Preliminary action may then be taken to address unfavorable consequences and to enhance the likelihood of favorable ones. The central issue is whether humans can continue to increase in both numbers and per capita affluence without causing irreparable harm to the biosphere. This issue is a matter of enlightened self-interest to human society. A concomitant ethical issue is whether humans have an obligation to share the planet's resources in a fair and equitable manner with the many millions of other species on the planet. Human longevity is only one of the factors in this multidimensional problem. However, addressing this issue will almost certainly result in a reexamination of human society's relationship with natural systems and what changes are needed to result in a sustainable co-evolution of the two systems.