When will the earth's natural resourcves no longer provide the population with essentials for survival?

Question

I wonder when the resources we have now will no longer be available for harvest? Or will the populations increase outstrip our ability to harvest resources?

Answer 1

in the year 2525, despite what Albert Gore, Ralph Nader and company say

Answer 2

It depends on your definition of "natural resources". If you are talking about production of agricultural commodities, the answer is probably never. Agriculture has become capital-intensive, which basically means that its output or agricultural commodities is determined by and large by equipment, not land or labor. Areas under cultivation decrease, while food supply increases. Additionally, the population growth worldwide has been slowing down for decades and may actually cease altogether around 2100.

If you are talking about basic materials such as metals, the answer is, again, probably never. The Earth crust is 5% iron, 8% aluminum, and 27% slilcone, so we are a very long way from exausting these supplies (especially given the recent rise in recycling).

If you are talking about energy, things get a little more complicated. First, there is an ongiong debate of whether (and if so, when) the human race will run out of oil (I would recommend a book by Julian Simon titled "The Ultimate Resource II"; you may or may not agree with its arguments, but read the book and judge for yourself). Then, there is a related debate of whether there are alternatives to oil. The answer seems to be yes (nuclear, solar, wind, and hydraulic power generation, natural gas, synthetic gasoline from coal or shale, ethanol from corn and sugar cane), but so far the alternatives are more expensive (but then, that's why they are alternatives and not mainstream). The situation may change if oil prices stay above $60 a barrel for ten years or so...

Answer 3

Do not believe the hype. Capitalist nations burn or otherwise throw away food to keep the prices intact. But on a much broader scale you could fit the entire world's population in the United States alone. There is NO population problem. There are enough resources to take care of everybody, 100 times over, but the greed of a few evil men/nations causes the suffering of hundreds of millions of people.

Answer 4

About 80 years .

Answer 5

When the whole world starts to suffer from mass starvation. If you walk around and see people eating themselves or others... that's probably a good notice that we're in the situation you've suggested.

Answer 6

Never, as resources become more scarce, economics says we will seek alternatives, for example if oil gets to expensive it will stimulate innovation in other areas, such as alternate fuels.