Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025)
Perspective

Changing Perceptions of Barriers to Sustainability: Population, Consumerism and Power Politics

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  • George Martine
George Martine
Independent Consultant
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3197/JPS.63799977346504

Published 2025-08-29

Keywords

  • Sustainability,
  • Consumerism,
  • Power Politics,
  • Population Growth,
  • Climate Crisis

How to Cite

Martine, George. 2025. “Changing Perceptions of Barriers to Sustainability: Population, Consumerism and Power Politics”. The Journal of Population and Sustainability 9 (2):17-47. https://doi.org/10.3197/JPS.63799977346504.

Copyright (c) 2025 George Martine

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

This paper examines shifting perceptions of the primary barriers to global sustainability, focusing on three key dimensions: population growth, consumerism and power politics. While population growth has historically been viewed as a critical threat, its actual impact is mediated by unequal patterns of production and consumption. Consumerism, driven by globalised capitalism, emerges as a more decisive factor, entrenched in unsustainable development models. However, the most pressing obstacle today is the rise of denialist power politics, exemplified by the rhetoric and actions of leaders like Donald Trump, which undermine multilateral agreements and environmental policies. Drawing on scientific data, historical analysis and geopolitical critique, the paper argues that avoiding socio-ecological collapse requires urgent systemic and cultural transformations. It concludes that the narrowing window for effective action demands radical innovations in global governance and redefinitions of progress beyond material growth.

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