It is now well established that humanity is facing a resource shortage at relatively short term (here an example article on water shortage).
If we take as a key hypothesis that we do not stand the loss of even one life, an equation for humanity would be:
at every instant t:
1/ R>=N for each individual
2/ Sum of R >= available R
Where R is available resources for each and every individual’s vital needs N.
The progress of humanity as a whole would then be ensuring the equation is correct at any instant.
Or is it? Because resources are also necessary for the rest of life around us.
The equation would become:
at every instant t:
1/ R>=N for each living creature
2/ Sum of R >= available R
AND
3/ ensure remaining resources can sustain the global biosphere.
Where R is available resources for each and every individual’s vital needs N.
From there, humanity can act on several parameters:
- the headcount
- the nature and extent of so-called vital needs
- access to, production and management of resources
- the quality and diversity of the biosphere
There is also another parameter: accepting loss of human life.