Some ten years ago, I read a story based on a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) study that suggested, at it's then rate of growth, China by itself could consume all known natural resouces on the planet over the next 50 years - 40 years left if they are correct.

WWF is hardly an unbiased source, but the story does underscore the fact that there are not enough resources globally to sustain widening economic growth without also seeing dramatically higher prices for products such as metals (including uranium), lumber, chemicals, food, and water. Oil prices, too, should recover, though that may take another 10 years.

FWIW