Carbon Consumption and Earth's Carrying Capacity: Challenges Ahead

Explore the pressing challenges of carbon consumption and Earth's carrying capacity in this 37-minute press conference from the 2010 AGU Fall Meeting. Delve into new research revealing the accelerating rate at which humans are consuming the planet's annual plant output for various purposes, including food, clothing, and biofuels. Examine the stark increase in consumption since NASA's 1995 benchmark measurement, driven by both population growth and rising per capita consumption globally. Investigate the disparities in consumption patterns between regions like North America and Southeast Asia. Consider the potential consequences of this trend, including impacts on Earth's carrying capacity, biodiversity loss, shifts towards monoculture and managed landscapes, regional imbalances between production and consumption, and increased vulnerability to climate change. Gain insights from experts at NASA and the United States Geological Survey as they discuss the implications of these findings and explore potential solutions to address the challenges ahead.