A growing world population is not a problem, but increasing consumption as people in developing countries strive for a first-world lifestyle is, argues Jared Diamond, professor of geography at UCLA, in a New York Times opinion piece.

Just as it is certain that within most of our lifetimes we’ll be consuming less than we do now, it is also certain that per capita consumption rates in many developing countries will one day be more nearly equal to ours. These are desirable trends, not horrible prospects. In fact, we already know how to encourage the trends; the main thing lacking has been political will. … I am cautiously optimistic. The world has serious consumption problems, but we can solve them if we choose to do so.

The Chronicle of Higher Education summarizes Diamond’s argument and some responses to it.

Note: The Chronicle article is available online to subscribers. PRI affiliates can read the Chronicle in the PRI Library or request online access from library@pop.psu.edu.