Future Tense How to balance the population needs on our planet
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Jul 24, 2025 Stuart Gietel Basten, a demographer from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, tackles pressing questions about our planet's future. He explores the paradox of an aging population needing more births while considering Earth's limited resources. The conversation dives into global consumption patterns and the concept of Earth Overshoot Day, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. Gietel Basten advocates for innovative urban designs that accommodate diverse demographics, ensuring our cities evolve to meet the needs of both the elderly and younger generations.
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Packing People Sardine-Style in Australia
- Deborah Devis calculated how many people could fit into Australia packed like sardines, finding a staggering 39 trillion can fit shoulder to shoulder.
- She further imagined stacking people up to the edge of space, increasing capacity to 117 quadrillion in a shelving system.
Resources Limit Population Capacity
- Space alone doesn't sustain people; resources like water and food are limiting factors especially in countries like Australia.
- Australia's current resources can sustain about 40 million people, far less than if sardine-packed purely by space.
Earth Overshoot Day Reveals Overconsumption
- Humanity is using resources equivalent to 1.7 planets, a situation highlighted by the annual "Earth Overshoot Day."
- This measure demonstrates the urgent need to reduce consumption and improve sustainability globally.