Population, Environment, and Development in the Era of Climate Change: Decoupling Growth and Managing Natural Resources for Health and Well-being of People and the Planet

Angela Baschieri, Science Leader on Climate Health Impacts

This paper examines the intricate connections between population dynamics, environmental sustainability, and economic development for the health and well-being of the people and the planet, emphasizing the critical role of climate action, raising collective engagement and reducing inequalities in building a sustainable future. Drawing on established theories such as the Malthusian theory, Demographic Transition Theory, the Kuznets Curve and the Environmental Kuznets Curve, the paper reviews the current literature on the interplay between population growth, environmental degradation, and economic development. Using aggregate data from sources including the UN Population Division, the World Bank, Climate Watch, Global Carbon Atlas, IPCC reports, NASA, national emission inventories, and Global Burden of Disease, we investigate the global and regional trends in economic growth and their environmental and health impacts. The paper analyses patterns in countries' economic, environmental and health data through a comparative assessment of developed and developing countries focusing on case studies of countries that have successfully driven the development and health and well-being of people while minimizing their environmental footprint. The paper also critically explores the concept of community management of common property resources to promote a sustainable and healthy future for all.

Keywords: Population, Environment, and Climate Change, Population and Development, Population Policies

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