The rest of us will not readily reduce it. Even in rich countries consumption continues to grow. Only a radical change in values and culture can slow it down voluntarily - especially if concern for Gaia achieves religious status on a wide scale. There is at least a chance that the present crisis will evoke such a value shift. The most promising approach for the present is to reduce the impact of consumption levels by working on technology and population.
Technology change is crucial.
It will succeed best where it involves low costs and high returns - as with energy conservation, soil and water conservation, or agroforestry. But it cannot do the job alone. Priority for human resource development Action on population may be the most promising avenue of all. It offers not just slower growth of numbers, and lower eventual totals. Fewer, better timed births also promise lower infant mortality, improved mother and child health, and better nutrition and education.