One Finite Planet

Topics and Subtopics.
All: Overpopulation?

Optimum population of humans: Ideally, how many people can, or should, the Earth support?

It can seem like the human population can grow forever, but analysis makes it clear growth must stop eventually. The question becomes at what level should it stop?

Do we go for the maximum possible people before everything collapses, even if average living standards could be far better with a smaller population? Is it like a chicken farm in an egg farm, where having less chickens is seen as preferable if it means chickens get better living conditions? What population strikes the right balance for humans?

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Overpopulation: starvation is the last symptom.

The Myth: Starvation will provide a warning of overpopulation. The Truth: In nature, we define overpopulation as when sustaining the population results in damage to the environment.

Plagues are a problem were before the plague population starts to starve.

Starvation will be a consequence only when overpopulation has resulted in environmental collapse that will result in a rapid population collapse. Starvation is useless as an indicator, by the time there is starvation all environmental food reserves have been consumed, and catastrophe is then unavoidable.

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Peak Population 2055: Really? That soon?

Is it realistic that Earth could reach peak population by 2055, there really the largest number of under 35s on Earth there will ever be? Peak newborns already? What is the reality, and what are the implications?

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Next steps for mankind don’t include the Sci-Fi dream of a new home planet.

There is a dream, often explored in science fiction, where humanity inhabits not just one planet, but many.

While the dream is still centuries away, as is ‘Earth 2.0‘, the reality, working towards small outposts on Mars or the Moon or even beyond is overwhelming compelling and can provide many rewards.

Humanity may get back up outposts, but for centuries, will have no real second home, and over 99% of us will still need to live on our one finite planet.

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Overpopulation?

Overpopulation: starvation is the last symptom.

Overpopulation: starvation is the last symptom.

The Myth: Starvation will provide a warning of overpopulation. The Truth: In nature, we define overpopulation as when sustaining the population results in damage to the environment.

Plagues are a problem were before the plague population starts to starve.

Starvation will be a consequence only when overpopulation has resulted in environmental collapse that will result in a rapid population collapse. Starvation is useless as an indicator, by the time there is starvation all environmental food reserves have been consumed, and catastrophe is then unavoidable.

Parent / Sub topics
My journey to understanding population.

My journey to understanding population.

Arguably mankind's greatest achievement is not the moon-landing, but the near elimination of child mortality. Side effects include a population explosion resulting in numbers such that we have only pseudo solutions for sustaining the environment. To arrive at my current point of understanding of population mechanisms and population growth, it took me a number of light bulb moments over the years since 2013, with many realisations shattering some of my previous beliefs, and sometimes taking years to be ready to take the next step. Here is a recap of my journey, and if you can move quickly from step to step, then you can absorb information faster than I can, but perhaps this information will inspire others on their own journey.
Webpapers
Optimum population of humans: Ideally, how many people can, or should, the Earth support?

Optimum population of humans: Ideally, how many people can, or should, the Earth support?

Next steps for mankind don’t include the Sci-Fi dream of a new home planet.

Next steps for mankind don’t include the Sci-Fi dream of a new home planet.

Peak Population 2055: Really? That soon?

The Potential Scale and Impact of population growth: 7 trillion humans?

Brexit and Trump: Common Theme?

If the earth is overpopulated, so what?

If the earth is overpopulated, so what?

How long can/should/will population growth continue?

the economic impact of population growth and immigration

Population Growth Change Lag: The Population Pipeline

Population Growth Change Lag: The Population Pipeline

Lessons from SciFi: Future Expansion

Environmental footprint and maximum population.

Population: just how did the ‘engine’ switch off

Population: Why more than the current change is required.

The population lag: the first reason for the contradiction.

Views of Future Population.