Imagining a Stabilized Atmosphere: Population and Consumption Interactions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

The roles of both population and personal consumption have been difficult to address in analyzing the causative factors in human-induced climate change. Analysts in developing countries argue—accurately—that most responsibility for the atmosphere's current altered state lies with slow growing but high consuming wealthy countries. However, if population growth is considered in the context of a global effort to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases equitably, its importance emerges in a new light. Seen this way, popu la tion growth in both developingand developed countries adds to the pre-existing and considerable momentum ofgreenhousedriven climate change itself. As population rises, per capita atmosphere-stabilizing emissions fall, further restricting the sustainable use offossil fuels on an individual basis. This relationship is best illustrated in a hypothetical industrial carbon dioxide emissions trading regime, which could be negotiated through the Framework Convention on Climate Change.