A Review of the Sustainability Crisis and an Appraisal of Sustainable Prosperity

Abstract

Statistical data taken from the literature is reviewed to revisit and re-examine the impact of global humanity upon the biosphere and to provide a broad bibliography of issues relating to sustainability. The data shows the continuing decline of animal and plant populations and forest area, while at the same time human population, resource usage and pollution continue to increase. Analysis of forest area data shows that with the current human population growth rate and resource consumption, combined with increasing forest fires due to global warming, forests will be eradicated within 85 years. Using the same data, the carrying capacity of the planet is estimated to be 2.5 billion with current resource usage and 8 billion with one third of current resource usage. Plantation to rebuild forests, moderation of consumption, and family management to reduce and stabilize population, are identified as the main factors required for achieving sustainability. Views of what leads to prosperity is at the root of the sustainability crisis, and this is examined in relation to alternative values and economic models. The ideology of consumerism is discussed as accelerating the decline of natural resources. The teachings of Saint Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of the environment, and the ideals of indigenous cultures are considered as a source of values that can be adopted to transform the modern world into a more sustainable, eco-friendly world in which humans and the biosphere can thrive.

Keywords: sustainability, environment, prosperity, economy, biosphere, population, morality