A new study led by Professor Corey Bradshaw from Flinders University warns that the current world population has already exceeded the sustainable capacity of the Earth.
Currently, there are approximately 8.3 billion people on Earth, but when calculating the limitations of food, water, energy, and ecosystems, researchers say that the sustainably safe population should be around 2.5 billion.
The ability to support such a large population is only possible by temporarily increasing food production and energy supply with the help of fossil fuels.
However, these actions have led to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.
If current trends continue, the world population is projected to reach a peak of approximately 12.4 billion in the 2060s or 2070s.
Scientists warn that global ecosystems are already facing severe pressures. They say that urgent changes in energy use, land management, and consumption patterns are needed to prevent ecosystem collapse in the long term. They urge preparations from now to avoid future ecological crises.
Ref: Technology Innovation
