From limits to growth to global change

Abstract

The notions of 'limits to growth' and 'global change' have a number of similarities. Both are neo-Malthusian, are based on quantitative scientific research, and have gained prominence as global rationales for wide-ranging environmentalist agendas. Most importantly, both notions have served simultaneously as scientific concepts and as environmental movement ideologies. However, the favourable political reception accorded 'global change' is markedly different from the hostile reception of the 'limits to growth' Weltanschauung of the early 1970s. The two formulations are compared and contrasted, and possible explanations and implications are discussed. The relatively high degree of consensus on global change that currently prevails may mask contradictions that will lead to major conflicts over environmental policy.