No. of Recommendations: 1
Because we've made such amazing advances in technology compared to, say, a few decades ago we certainly can have a global economy that can support 8 or 9 billion people at a higher standard of living than today (on average) within the resources available on earth and without suffering the consequences you describe in your post. We're going to not choose to do that.
It's all about energy production. Energy is the ball game. With it, you grow your economy. Without it, you don't.
There are 5 ways of actual reliable power generation with either a low or a near-zero carbon footprint.
1. Nuclear
2. Hydroelectric
3. Geothermal
4. Tidal
5. Natual gas
Nuclear we just won't do because of the stigma attached to it.
Hydro is actually *disfavored* by green types.
Geothermal is another option; not sure why this is rarely pursued at scale.
Tidal power requires potentially disturbing in-shore habitats
Natural gas is hated by greens but actually is fairly clean to extract and burn.
Notice what *aren't* on this list: solar and wind.
