William R. Catton Jr.

William R. Catton Jr. was an American sociologist and environmentalist known for his influential work on the relationship between humans and the natural environment. He is best known for his book "Overshoot," published in 1980, which argues that humanity has exceeded the Earth's ecological limits, leading to social and environmental instability. Catton introduced concepts like "carrying capacity," highlighting that human populations can outgrow the resources available, leading to inevitable decline. His work emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the need for society to recognize and respect ecological boundaries to prevent ecological crises and promote a balanced future.