The world population, which was under one billion less than two centuries ago and well under two billion at the start of this century, will likely pass six billion by the year 2000. We need to plan now to maintain a comfortable and ecologically sound existence. These projects represent two possible solutions for the present population problem. Table 1 displays the human population on the planet earth through time. The population of the Earth may be approaching the carrying capacity of the Earth.
Ecologists define carrying capacity as the largest population an environment can support.
In the past, advances in agriculture has allowed the human population to continue to increase. Today, however, technological limits and unacceptable ecological harm from the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides jeopardize our future. The Human Mosaic 5th ed. The following graphics may help you visualize the problem. Examine this Human Population Curve .