Final answer:
A continual increase in the number of people on Earth would likely cause a reduction in coal and natural gas because the increased demand for energy leads to quicker depletion of these finite resources, as well as environmental consequences like habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An increase in the human population would most likely cause a reduction in the amount of coal and natural gas on Earth because these resources are non-renewable and finite. As the global population grows, the demand for energy increases, leading to more rapid depletion of fossil fuels. This is exacerbated by the fact that higher populations also lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions, impacting the carrying capacity of the Earth and leading to various environmental consequences, including climate change. Furthermore, human activities such as deforestation to support a growing population reduce carbon sinks, thereby increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.
Habitat destruction, overfishing, overhunting, and increased waste generation are all direct consequences of population growth, further straining Earth's resources. The eventual result could be a depletion of biodiversity and a crash in human population if sustainable practices are not adopted on a global scale. Reductions in the populations of fish species and other wildlife are indicators of the negative impact of excessive fossil fuel consumption on the environment.