Re-examining the role of population policies in climate action

Pachauri, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8138-3178 (2024). Re-examining the role of population policies in climate action. Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2024 10.1553/p-34hn-pfcb.

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Research Programs:	Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions (TISS)
Depositing User:	Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited:	06 Sep 2024 09:52
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2024 10:56
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/19976

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