My last post ended on a note of optimism: continued economic growth, cultural change and technological development can go a long way in ameliorating climate change, and the effects thereof. In short: with economic development, empowerment of women, intensification of sustainable agriculture, and urbanization, human populations plummet and wild habitat expands. Technological advances and changing consumption patterns in developed countries will reduce the environmental impact of human activity. Examples would be improved seed stock, the de-materialization of production processes, increased supply chain efficiencies, and a shift away from having fancy things as markers of status to having fancy experiences. Kelp noodles, anyone? Not to imply the ride will be smooth. Some countries will increase their carbon footprint as their economies pick up. The newly affluent in less developed countries will be enamored of fancy things. But these countries don’t have to repeat the US pattern in the 20th century, with all the decades of excess, waste, and environmental degradation that implies. They will be able to take advantage of the already developed technologies and efficiencies that reduce carbon emissions. And with the increase in urbanization and agricultural productivity, less land will be shared and more spared for the resurgence of the biosphere.