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April 26, 2026

Scientists agree: 'Earth cannot sustain the future population, not even the current one with its resources'

Scientists agree that humanity has managed to artificially expand its limits. Photo: iStock

Scientists agree: 'Earth cannot sustain the future population, not even the current one with its resources'

TL;DR

  • Humanity has surpassed Earth's carrying capacity, the planet's limit for sustaining its population.
  • Current consumption and population growth threaten global stability, requiring major changes in energy and food systems.
  • Technological development and fossil fuel use have artificially expanded limits, creating a false sense of sustainability.
  • A sustainable global population is estimated at 2.5 billion, significantly lower than the current 8.3 billion.
  • Despite demographic deceleration, environmental impact increases due to consumption intensity and emissions.
  • Urgent transformation in resource use and a transition to renewable energy are needed to prevent serious compromise of natural systems.