Nate Hagens defines 'carrying capacity' as the maximum number of individuals or amount of activity an ecosystem can sustain over the long term without degrading its ability to support life. Hagens emphasizes that this concept is not static but dynamic, influenced by the interplay of natural resources, technology, and human societal choices. He underscores that exceeding carrying capacity leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and a decline in well-being. In his view, understanding and respecting ecological limits is paramount to achieving a sustainable future. For Hagens, the term encapsulates the necessary balance between consumption, population, and the health of natural systems, urging a shift towards resilient, regenerative practices that align human aspirations with the planet’s finite ecological budget.

See also: population growth, ecological footprint, carbon pulse, planetary boundary, multipolar trap