The answer is simple. We should think about energy because our main sources of energy are running out. Currently the world is powered through the use of various fossil fuels. It is common knowledge that these energy sources will not last forever, which means efficient alternative energy sources will need to be developed. In addition to the limited supply, fossil fuels are detrimental to our planet. The resulting climate changes due to our world's current use of these fossil fuels will prove to change the way of life for future generations.
The purpose of this blog is to discuss current energy sources and the lasting effects we are currently leaving on the earth. Issues such as effects of climate change will be broken down and discussed, revealing why it is so important for us to think about energy.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
What is the carrying capacity of the Earth?
The theory that the Earth can't support an ever increasing population indefinitely was first proposed in 1798 by Thomas Malthus. Scientists have dismissed this theory until recently, saying technological advancement would allow resource production to keep up with population growth. In today's energy-conscience society, scientists are beginning to reconsider their dismissal. Estimates on Earth's carrying capacity range anywhere between 2 billion and 40 billion. If the average middle-class American lifestyle was enjoyed by everyone on the planet, estimated at 3.3 times the necessary sustinace level, Earth's capacity would be about 2 billion. If, however, everyone only consumed what they needed, a limit of 40 billion seems reasonable.
The worries about the capacity of Earth come because advancing technology is not helping as predicted. This is because instead of using technology to do more things with less resources, therefore increasing the carrying capacity, technology is being used to further the way things are already being done. Consider energy production as an example. Instead of switching to things like solar energy, whose biggest faults are only money, technology is being used to find ways to extract more fossil fuels, which are non-renewable.
The worries about the capacity of Earth come because advancing technology is not helping as predicted. This is because instead of using technology to do more things with less resources, therefore increasing the carrying capacity, technology is being used to further the way things are already being done. Consider energy production as an example. Instead of switching to things like solar energy, whose biggest faults are only money, technology is being used to find ways to extract more fossil fuels, which are non-renewable.
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