Has Earth's population exceeded its limits?

[science_spot]

Is it possible the Earth cannot sustain the number of people currently living on it?  the Earth's population is over 6.5 billion, and growing.  Millions of people are starving, our environment is changing at a rapid pace, and water is in short supply.  Is it possible the Earth cannot support us all?  Or could it support many more if we made some changes, specifically optimizing the way we use the Earth's resources?

Nina Federov has been the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State since 2007.  She thinks we are at or exceeding the population the Earth han comfortably support, and feels the only way to continue to support a growing population is better use of the resources.  She specifically points out clean, usable water shortages, CO2 emissions and food supply issues as the top three environmental issues that need addressing if the Earth's population is to continue it's upward trend.  The BBC wrote a short article on the subject.

Is it possible GM foods are the answer?  Maybe water and energy conservation?  Do you think Americans are willing to sacrifice confort so populations is developing countries are able to meet basic human needs, which would allow their populations to grow, thus increasing their needs?  SHOULD the population be encouraged to grow?

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

The Science Spot

[truthrowan]

Apr. 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM

I don't think we are at the limits, but I think better stewardship of the planet and better use of resources are necessary. Many of Africas problems lay in the lack of stewardship of the land and fields laying fallow in fertile countries while wars go on.

[logansmomma2007]

Apr. 1, 2009 at 5:26 PM

I like these posts.  Keep them coming :-)

[Della529]

Apr. 2, 2009 at 12:27 PM

I'm suspicious of Dr. Federoff, especially with a few of the current bills making their way through Congross [sic].

[Della529]

Apr. 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM

I meant Dr. Federoff's claims, not her in particular.