Final answer:
The number of states could increase through subdivision, secession, collapse of states, or the establishment of extraterrestrial colonies. Population growth and resource pressures could drive changes in political boundaries, while environmental changes like sea level rise may also affect state borders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of states could increase in the future through various means even though virtually all of Earth’s land is allocated to existing states. This could happen if existing states subdivide, new nations are formed through secession or the collapse of existing ones, or if we establish human populations outside of Earth. With the current trend of global population growth, from around 6 billion to an expected 8-10 billion by 2050, there is an increased likelihood of changes in political boundaries. Additionally, as our ecological footprint expands, there may be more pressures on limited resources and land, leading to conflicts or re-negotiation of borders.
Moreover, the idea of setting aside a significant portion of the Earth as a conservation area, potentially up to half to ensure long-term survival, illustrates additional challenges. The necessity for a global plan to manage resources and accommodate an increasing population is clear, but the practicality of maintaining such an area is debated. Human imagination may foresee a future where populations thrive off-planet, but without proactive measures and space exploration advancements, this may remain a mere fiction.
The rise in sea level due to melting ice is another factor that could alter state borders. Conversely, land mass could also technologically be created or reclaimed, altering the current allocation of land to states. Ultimately, it’s a complex interaction of environmental necessity, political will, technological advancement, and human adaptation that will shape how the number of states might increase.