Carey, Daniel I. 1993. "Development based on carrying capacity: A strategy for environmental protection." Global Environmental Change June: 140-148.

Thesis:

Carey states: "This paper examines practical applications of carrying capacity concepts to economic development planning, and suggests that, even at a rudimentary level, the incorporation of carrying capacity concepts into development planning is necessary if we are to address issues of global environmental change in a rational and responsible manner" (p. 141). Additionally, "the concept of carrying capacity provides a framework for integrating physical, socioeconomic, and environmental systems into planning for a sustainable environment" (p. 140).

Summary:

Carey identifies human consumption patterns and economic development as the primary causal factors of current global environmental problems. He then discusses the applicability of the carrying capacity concept to human activities. Population levels, food production, plagues and disease as well as the accumulation of material goods are all factors which influence the "human carrying capacity" as Carey defines it. A "sustainable carrying capacity" can be achieved if we can "define and meet our human needs in ways which do not impair (and perhaps improve) the quality of life for current and future generations of all species" (p. 143).

Carey applies the concept of sustainable carrying capacity to local and regional development planning efforts. He describes the Bayliss-Smith model of carrying capacity including the role of "perceived carrying capacity" or what a society views as the desirable carrying capacity (see p. 144). Another model, Fearnside's study of Brazil's Transamazon Highway, is compared. Carey argues, "the use of carrying capacity concepts forces a greater consideration of the variable physical, social, and cultural relationships and constrains which will determine the outcome of development projects" (p. 144).

Regional development planning can utilize the carrying capacity concept in evaluating potential long-term needs. The study Potential Population-Supporting Capacities of Lands in the Developing World, sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is offered as an example. Carey notes: "The number of people the potential production could support was calculated for each country, using per capita calorie intakes recommended by FAO and the World Health Organization" (p. 146).

In the final sections of the article, Carey identifies constraints in utilization of carrying capacity in development planning, especially in terms of technical difficulties. Further, he identifies economic growth as the biggest deterrent to developing a sustainable society. Existing economic systems need to be incorporated into a "sustainable carrying capacity" framework before environmental degradation can be dealt with effectively.

Keywords: carrying capacity, sustainable carrying capacity