1.a)Do you think earth has an ultimate carrying capacity? b) What natural and human factors would influence?

Question

1.a)Do you think earth has an ultimate carrying capacity?
b) What natural and human factors would influence the magnitude of Earth's carrying capacity?
c)Coal, oil and natural gas can be used as fules or as industrial raw materials. What is the difference related to the idea of a phantom carrying capacity?

Answer 1

a) Theoretically, yes there is a maximum biomass that the dynamic system of plant growth, eating and decay and regrowth can sustain. It is of no practical significance.

b) Global warming is adding to it. A warmer climate means plants can grow over a larger area of Earth. It also means more biodiversity.

Pollution is subtracting from it. Life doesn't live so well in or under polluted air or in polluted soil.

c)
When fossil fuels are used as fuels they add to the pollution in the air. See b above.