BURDEN-SHARING IN THE TRANSITION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Unbridled consumerism in developed nations, marked by increased use of environmental resources, competes with escalating population growth i n developing nations as principal threats to environmental sustainabil ity. The paper examines the issue of sustainability through the I = P X A X T identity, whereby the impact of any population or nation on en vironmental sources and sinks is a product of its population, its leve l of affluence, and the damage done by the technologies that support t hat affluence. Population stabilization is essential in the transition towards sustainability. Likewise, reduced consumption, poverty allevi ation and improved management of environmental resources are key in th is transition. Finally, technology transfers to low-income nations are vital in reducing environment throughput. In closing, the article out lines priorities for high- and low-income nations alike, pointing out that changes in public perceptions about the concept of development ar e needed to avoid overshooting the carrying capacity of the Earth.