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__**Overpopulation?**__

In 1798, Thomas Malthus claimed that the Earth would not be able to sustain an ever-lasting human population. He predicted that the Earth would control the human population with famine if not controlled. His theory has been called the carrying capacity of Earth and includes limited resources such as food, water, air, and shelter. The concept is simple but disturbing. Basically, the human population continues to grow exponentially but the world's food supply grows linearly. However, scientists debate as some believe that humans have the unique ability to manufacture food exponentially but others disagree. What's your take?

The real question remains. What is Earth's carrying capacity? Estimates place this number between 2-40 billion because there are simply too many factors to determine an exact figure. If everyone in the world were to live the lifestyle of a middle-class American, Earth would only be able to hold 2 billion humans. This is because middle-class Americans consume about 3.3 times the subsistence level of food and about 250 times the subsistence level of clean water. If all humans on Earth were to survive on only the essential amounts of food and water, Earth could support up to 40 billion people. Some scientists claim that we have already reached our carrying capacity! What do you think? Will we ever change? How many humans will there be on earth in 2020?

Interesting Videos!!!
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