The desire and expectation to live at the current unsustainably high level of consumption is the root of the environmental issues we are facing.  It is a simple equation of the rate of consumption exceeding the ability of the earth to provide resources and receive waste and emissions.

Efficiencies gained from technological advancement are not sufficient to offset increased consumption.  Western levels of consumption will have to decline, either through deliberate considered steps or painfully forced by degradation of the environment.