Population, neoliberalism and 'Human Carrying Capacity'

This chapter reviews the history of human population size and policy over the past century, as an issue relevant for global health and development. It focuses on the role of neoliberalism (the ideology that claims free-market forces will maximize wealth for all) and the Roman Catholic church as central to the recent neglect and avoidance of this topic. This gap is evident in the teaching of not only global public health but also many other scientifc disciplines. The chapter also analyses the concept of human carrying capacity, using a 'fve capitals approach', i.e. natural, social, human, built and fnancial resources. Using this conceptual framework, the chapter discusses the confict in Tigray, Ethiopia, as a case study. The following chapter (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: The Relevance of Family Planning) complements this one.