The New Consumers: the Influence of Affluence on the Environment

Science News, Oct 16, 2004

NORMAN MYERS AND JENNIFER KENT

Americans and Europeans are the most voracious consumers in the world. However, as Myers and Kent report, people in developing countries are catching up Emerging middle classes in China and India, in particular, that not long ago saw electricity as a luxury can now afford cars and air-conditioning In fact, the authors report that the buying power of new consumers in such countries will soon rival that of the United States A rise from poverty is a good thing, the authors acknowledge, but riches spawn environmental damage. In China, meat consumption increased 3.5 fold from 1980 to 2000, causing a nationwide shortfall in grain and water. as more and more of those commodities went to feed cattle. As India's economy doubled in recent years, its air pollution increased eightfold. However. some countries are heading off such problems by incorporating sustainability policies. Some cities in Brazil have bus systems that carry nearly three-quarters of the daily commuters, The authors assert that global prosperity demands environmental and policy changes worldwide. Island Pr, 2004, 199 p., hardcover, $24.00.