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EARTH's CAPACITY to SUSTAIN LIFE
Thomas Malthus kicked off the debate in the early nineteenth
century when he predicted imminent doom for the human race.
He believed that the population of the earth was increasing at a
geometric rate, while food production was increasing only at an
arithmetic rate. Human population would soon outstrip their own
ability to produce food, and there would be a catastrophe by the
mid-nineteenth century. We're still here, so that obviously didn't
happen. Technology allowed humans to produce far more food
than Malthus anticipated. Even though Malthus was wrong, his
ideas remain influential. The carrying capacity of the earth is a
hotly contested subject. Many believe that we are at or near our capacity already. Others believe the earth can support far more people. It's far too complicated to truly determine what the real limit is. And even if we could, the "real" limit would be meaningless without proper context.
The main context is lifestyle. Our planet can support many more people if we are living in near-starvation mode and consuming as little energy as possible, than if we are all living at North American levels of consumption. Practical considerations also matter. If we were all living in starvation mode, would we be able to survive, or would we be at war with one another, killing each other off so we can eat more food?
Distribution of resources has always been unequal, and continues to be an issue now and in the future.
Ignoring these considerations, can we reach some sort of estimate?
Important factors that determine how many people the earth can sustain include food, drinking water, and energy. Let's look at each of these areas in more detail.
Food
The earth currently produces 2,264 million metric tons of cereals, which is the staple food of the world. If each person consumes 2,000 calories per day, 2,264 million metric tons of cereal will support a little bit over 10 billion people. Currently, around half of all arable land in the world is producing crops. If we clear-cut all the forests and jungles, we could double our theoretical food production. These calculations assume all we eat is cereal though. Most people want to eat more than just rice, bread and pasta. Vegetables and fruits are also produced on arable land. Most of this produces a higher calorie per area yield than cereals. But what about meat? Currently about one third of cereals produced in the world go towards feeding animals for meat production.
Meat production is very inefficient in terms of land use. The more meat is eaten, the less people the land can support.
Water
It's hard to say much about water other than that we are in dire need.
There are 1,385 cubic kilometers on earth. Most of this water is salt water, and not suitable for human consumption. Most of the fresh water available…is locked inside polar ice caps. Only 0.26% of all water is available for human consumption. Most of this water is in clouds or in the ground though. Only 0.014% of water on the earth is actually available for drinking. There are already severe water shortages in Africa and parts of Asia. North Americans use 1,280 cubic meters of water annually. Africans use 186. If there isn't enough water, such as is the case in many countries, disease and malnutrition are the result. This is already happening, and will continue to spread as population continues to increase. Water also affects food in a big way, as 70% of water used by humans irrigates crops.
by: Vanmart Munoz
What else can I help you with?
How can the Earth support life when other planets cant?
The biggest reason is water. Astronomers think maybe there really may be traces of water or ice on other planets, but Earth has an abundance, perfect for us. Also, many other planet's living conditions are not suitable. Some planets have EXTREMELY hot hot hot or coooollllddd ccccoollllddd weather that we could not live through. There is not fertile soil or animals to eat (we probably wouldn't be eating aliens :P ). And atmospheres aren't as nice, no substantial protection from the sun's rays and gravity not as strong. There are also some more detailed answers but these are mostly the main ideas why the Earth support life when other planets cant.
Is life on Earth possible without bacteria?
no because bacteria helps digest our food and it also is one of the main decomposers.
What is the main source of heat in Earth's interior?
the mantle plume There are two source of heat in the earth's interior. The main two sources are fire and breathing heat.
Why is the cycling of matter important to life on earth?
because of the law of conservation of mass. we only have a set amount of every atom and there will never be any more so if once matter came out on an organism it was no longer any good or we consumed the atoms instead of just rearranging them then life could only be sustained for a finite amount of time until we ran out of matter. as it is currently the matter that is in you right now was probably at one time in a prehistoric plant and the last sip of water you had was at one time in a dinosaur's bladder.
How did people view yams in Things Fall Apart?
Yams were seen as the main farming crop and meal staple of people in Things Fall Apart. Yams took a lot of effort to farm, but was the main way of sustaining a good life. Yams were celebrated, as was the Goddess of the Earth.
What is the role of man in maintaining earths capacity to sustain life?
They are the main cause of destruction and they are the only one to stop it by doing good things that cannot harm the life of the earth
Can other planets sustain life aside from earth?
Yes! As long as they have the three main productions of life carbon dioxide-CO2 sun light and water. As a mattet of fact i read in the newspapper that they have found life on Mars.
What is the the main energy source for life on earth?
Sunlight is the main energy source for life on earth.
What is the main reason for seasons?
The tilt of the earth.
Reason for revolution of earth around sun?
The main reason for the revolution of the Earth around the Sun is the gravitational force of the Sun.
What is the main source of light and heat during daytime?
The main source of light and heat during daytime is the Sun. It emits both light and heat energy through a process called nuclear fusion in its core, which provides energy to sustain life on Earth.
Which is the main source for the life on the earth?
Water
Would a person freeze on earth?
no that is the main reason we live on Earth than human resources and references
What is the main reason the temperature on the earth's surface vary from place to place?
It depends on the tile of the earth's Axis.....i think
What can affect the Earth's oceans?
There are many ways, but the main reason is pollution.
How can the Earth support life when other planets cant?
The biggest reason is water. Astronomers think maybe there really may be traces of water or ice on other planets, but Earth has an abundance, perfect for us. Also, many other planet's living conditions are not suitable. Some planets have EXTREMELY hot hot hot or coooollllddd ccccoollllddd weather that we could not live through. There is not fertile soil or animals to eat (we probably wouldn't be eating aliens :P ). And atmospheres aren't as nice, no substantial protection from the sun's rays and gravity not as strong. There are also some more detailed answers but these are mostly the main ideas why the Earth support life when other planets cant.
Why is history open to ongoing and changing interpretations?
History is still going and changing for many reasons. The main reason it is still going is because there is still life on earth that change.
