The Optimal Global Population from a Climate and Social Justice Perspective

This paper examines the concept of the optimal global population from a climate justice perspective, arguing that it is one where negative environmental externalities are minimized to prevent any individual from experiencing "slow violence" and living in "sacrifice zones." In doing so, this paper critiques the sustainability of the current global population by highlighting the detrimental effects of capitalism's infinite growth paradigm, which exacerbates environmental degradation and social inequalities. Synthesizing Aisha and Partha Dasgupta’s studies and Benoit Cushman-Roisin's trifurcated IPAT equation, this paper uses the theoretical number of 1.8 billion as the optimal global population to demonstrate how a sustainable global population is achievable not solely by reducing population size but also by transforming consumption patterns and technological impacts, particularly in wealthy and rapidly developing nations. Ultimately, this paper declares that the optimal global population is one in which no one’s rights are being violated as outlined by the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.