How many people can the Earth support?

Grade Level: 
12

The Earth’s carrying capacity is the number of people the Earth can support without using resources faster than the planet can reproduce them. Experts disagree on this number because carrying capacity depends on a variety of factors including: the type and quantity of available resources, how these resources are distributed, how much of the resources each person uses, and the people’s relative quality of life. Read more about carrying capacity at the Encyclopedia of Earth(link is external).

Have a different answer or more to add to this one? Send it to us.

View Citation

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom