Neil Bryan says " No, we exceeded carrying capacity in the 1800's, but then, instead of = > rolling over like the dodo, we innovated and increased the carrying = > capacity." >
Someone else said that carrying capacity was two billion. I have a little problema with all that. First carrying capacity is a moving target. We have constantly modified our carrying capacity in the strict sense of the word by increasing agricultural efficiency and by land conversion. If by carrying capacity, we are talking about the ability of a population to feed itself and not decline, then no-one really knows what hte carrying capacity is. Second, we need to be asking, not just about one carrying capcities, buyt the consequences of different carrying capacities. For example, if you like to maintain natural environments with healthy populations of other large critters, then there is a good chance that we have already exceeded CC for that purpose. On the other hand, if you don't mind a future that looks something like Blade Runner, then bring on the babies! OK, I am being simplistic, but I think the point is valid: any statement about Carrying capacity has to be seen in terms of the ecological consequences of maintaining a certain population at a certain living standard. Best, Andy Park
