Although there may be strong theoretical linkages between sustainable development and population, sustainable development is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for effective population management. The reverse is equally true. Falling birth rates have also not been associated with better environmental management. It may be emphasized that both the developed and the less developed countries will have to work on sustainable development and population simultaneously.

TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The total impact on the environment is determined by the interaction of three factors: size of population, consumption standards, and wastages of resources for each unit of consumption (UNFPA, 1992).

IMPACT = POPULATION X CONSUMPTION PER PERSON X TECHNOLOGY EFFECT

The above formula shows that the total impact on environment depends not only on population but also on consumption per capita and technology. Environment will be least disturbed if:

• Population is growing at a slower rather than a faster rate

• Consumption per capita is less, i.e., people exercise restraint on consumption

• Technology is environment saving rather than environment degrading

And environment will be most degraded if:

• Population is growing at a faster rather than a slower rate

• Consumption per capita is uncontrolled

• Technology is environment degrading rather than environment saving