What is carrying capacity? although it is difficult to determine the exact human carrying capacity for a country as large and diverse as the u. s., an estimate of carrying capacity is essential for those whose jobs involve the development of policies to ensure that the environment is able to support life into the future. list three indications in a typical u. s. urban area that the city may be reaching its carrying capacity.

1.Air quality – The higher the population in a city the higher the chances of reduced air quality due to increase per capita emissions.

2.Water usage – The higher the population density in a city, the harder it is to supply adequate clean water to everybody and the water quality may begin to drop

3.Waste management- Pollution begins to become a problem when the population in a city goes beyond its carrying capacity.

4.Land use – Urban sprawl becomes a problem when a high proportion of the city’s population is squeezed in a small portions of land