Long-­term dynamics of household size and their environmental implications

The impacts of human population size on the environment and natural resource consumption have long concerned scientists. Population growth is slowing and even reversing in some places, but this has not translated into reduced human consumption of natural resources and lower environmental impact. The study Long­term dynamics of household size and their environmental implications finds that reduced numbers of people per household is leading to a proliferation of household numbers across the globe, increasing natural resource impacts. The authors argue that policies and incentives to reduce such impacts should be considered.