Every resource is finite.
That’s exactly what Mr. Haque is saying! The example he gives of trillions and trillions are meant to drive home the dire straits the planet is in. It’s theoretical.

Regarding population, what do you suggest, forced sterilizations? Global genocide?
What you, in the west fail to understand is that in impoverished countries, the ONLY guaranteed tangible resource people have are CHILDREN. Mortality rates are high. Hands are needed to work fields, and in any way possible, eke out a living. Children are sent off to urban centers to supplement rural income.
Ain’t rocket science.
The curse of crapitalism, a construct of the west, has failed miserably, deepening the chasm between rich and poor. The poor? Billions upon billions. Most westerners haven’t experience the ‘other’ world. So true suffering goes acknowledged …
Crapitalist ‘goods’ never reach majority of us earthlings in poor nations. Unbridled consumption of middle and upper classes has edged us towards a barren planet.

If crapitalist countries, both producers and consumers could develop a true awareness of toxicity of their systems, pare down McMansion lifestyles and develop empathy for planet and its people, perhaps we stand a chance.

Excellent article, btw.