How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?

David Attenborough examines the issue of human sustainability and whether the planet is on a course towards a population crisis. The Earth’s population is growing exponentially, having risen from just 2.5 billion people in 1950 to 7 billion today. However, its resources are not increasing at the same pace as human reproduction, which accounts for around 80 million births a year. All of these people require food, energy, clothing and shelter. What is the breaking point at which the world will no longer be able to support the vast number of people who inhabit it?

Attenborough interviews several academics and professionals who offer their views on what needs to be done to ensure that the Earth can sustain future generations. The general consensus is that the Earth’s population will increase by a further three billion by the year 2050.