Second, the capitas are at present still increasing worldwide, in spite of the prospect of leveling fifty years hence. But third, and most important, the world as a whole has achieved progress and a better life only through consuming more energy per capita. No democratic government is going to be able to stop this evolution. The only reasonable prognosis is more energy consumption, more CO 2 emissions, and increasing population. Let's attempt to move away from carboniferous fuels, without sacrificing growth in energy consumption.
Nuclear power is discredited because of highly toxic waste products.
Controlled fusion power has been experimented with for more than forty years, with no near likelihood of success. However, pulse fusion power has been available since 1952, but neglected for power generation. It even published a price list for such devices. I agree with McKibben that unexpected technology ruined Malthus's predictions. I believe that unexpected technology will equally ruin McKibben's predictions.