Acceleration, smoke and consequences. A disorder of orders

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that if you want a sustainable future, you must deal with the roots of global-scale acceleration: acceleration in human numbers and acceleration in per capita consumption. Sustainability implies balance; acceleration demands imbalance. Globally speaking, if you want one, you can't have the other. To get at the roots, I suggest the tool of viewing acceleration as an imbalance resulting from a disorder of orders.