3 ms·
It's highly dependent on assumptions. The limit is ultimately set by thermodynamics and the need to dissipate waste heat to space. This limit is around 1 tril
by pfdietz 2y ago
It's highly dependent on assumptions.
The limit is ultimately set by thermodynamics and the need to dissipate waste heat to space. This limit is around 1 trillion people, but this likely requires food be artificially synthesized. Using conventional agriculture, a global limit of 150 billion was set (in a 1979 study referenced in the 1985 book "The Global Possible", page 217), or 47 billion with a US-like diet. Nitrous oxide emission from agriculture is likely to be a long term concern, as this powerful greenhouse gas accumulates.
As always, please do not interpret these statements as advocacy of these outcomes.
- naveen99 2y agoWhat do you mean “as always”… That sounds like ai generated nonsense. This is where ai currently falls down. It can’t do new analysis.
- pfdietz 2y agoIt's because I have constantly seen that misinterpretation. People seem to think that if I say "X is true" or "X is possible" then I'm saying "I find X desirable". This is a weird non sequitur and seems to be closely related to wishful thinking, that is the non sequitur of thinking that something is true because its truth would be desirable.