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The problem of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the biosphere is considered in the framework of ideas about the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. The possibility of giving an exact definition of the carrying capacity is discussed, the concept of its one-dimensional projection is introduced, and examples of one-dimensional projections are given. In relation to the biosphere, they relate, in particular, to the limits of growth. The traditional definition of the concept “sustainable development” is criticized, this definition is associated with the ideology of the consumer society. The features of the perception of environmental issues by the mass consciousness in a consumer society are described. Extensions of the notion “environment” and a new approach to the interpretation of the notion “sustainable development” due to this expansion are considered.

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The relationship and interaction between natural science and sociohumanities knowledge and methods of studying global and regional climate changes and their socioeconomic consequences are analyzed. It is argued that the methodological and instrumental basis of the interaction above involve risk theory and modeling. The key results include a comprehensive assessment and forecast of climatic risks of socioeconomic development, which make up the basis of the development of effective strategies for sustainable longterm development. Ephasized is the counterproductiveness of a straightforward approach to the climate change problem which implies as the main goal of sustainable development the radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The necessity and effectiveness of a systematic approach that provides for the priority of institutional, structural, and technological transformations in society and the economy are emphasized. An important result of these transformations should involve the reduction of anthropogenic impact on the environment, including its climate formation factors, and adaptation to its climate change.

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