"Population, Resources, and the Environment Much of the concern over environmental issues stems from the perception that we may reach a limit to the number of people whose needs can be met by the...

"Population, Resources, and the Environment Much of the concern over environmental issues stems from the perception that we may reach a limit to the number of people whose needs can be met by the earth’s finite resources. We may or may not reach this point, given the potential for new technological discoveries, but it is clear that continuing on our present path of accelerating environmental degradation would severely compromise the ability of present and future generations to meet their needs. A slowing of population growth rates would help ease the intensification of many environmental problems. However, the rate and timing of fertility declines, and thus the eventual size of world population, will largely depend on the commitment of governments to creating economic and institutional conditions that are conducive to limiting fertility." What is the meaning of this statement?