The failure of world leaders to act on the critical issue of global warming is often blamed on economic considerations. But let's take a look at the economic reality. A new scientific report concludes that climate change is already costing the world $1.2 trillion a year. It's also killing at least 400,000 people every year.
Supporting more people on a finite planet is a serious challenge. But in a world where hunger and obesity are both epidemics, reproduction rates can't be the main problem. And when we look at issues that are often blamed on overpopulation, we see that overconsumption is a greater factor in environmental destruction.
Why does our economic system place a higher value on disposable and often unnecessary goods than on the things like clean air and productive soil? Sure, there's some contradiction in protesters carrying iPhones while railing against the consumer system. But this is not just about making personal sacrifices