Re-examining the role of population policies in climate action

Abstract

With the global population surpassing eight billion in November 2022, I revisit the debate over incorporating population strategies in climate change mitigation efforts. In this perspective, I review diverse literature, questioning the efficacy of fertility choices for reducing carbon emissions and examining the moral equivalence of procreative and consumption decisions. I explore historical and contemporary debates, from Malthusian concerns to modern neo-Malthusian and demographic revisionist views. While larger populations generally lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, I argue that reducing population growth is insufficient as a standalone climate strategy due to demographic momentum, and because it disregards existing disparities and structural inequalities. Instead, I emphasize the need for justice-centred approaches, advocating for voluntary, rights-based family planning, women’s empowerment and equitable resource access and distribution to address both population dynamics and affluent consumption patterns. My perspective calls for integrating ethical, cultural and justice considerations to balance environmental sustainability with human needs.