Socioeconomic equity, sustainability, and earth's carrying capacity

摘要: We examine the relationship between socioeconomic equity in opportunity and sustainability, as reflected patterns of food production fertility. Our analysis spans various levels social organization, from within household (gender- age- related equity) to relations among households (of different material wealth), regions (particularly rural vs. urban), nations (rich poor). preliminary results this complex area suggest that increasing equality at each these can help increase lower fertility rates, through varied mechanisms. Working toward such constitutes a "no regrets" strategy for transitioning sustainable society Earth's carrying capacity human beings, measures reduce growing disparity rich poor have merit on ethical grounds alone. An important caveat, however, is consumer lifestyles cannot be achieved globally by leveling up consumption bottom. Run- away countries must curbed part an effort scale enterprise below while still permitting needed development poor.