Which demographic change is projected to alter Earth's biosphere by increasing cropland?

The projected demographic change that is expected to significantly alter Earth's biosphere by increasing cropland is the rise in global food consumption. As the global population continues to grow, particularly in developing countries, there is an increasing demand for food. This heightened demand compels agricultural producers to expand and intensify farming practices to ensure adequate food supply.

Increasing global food consumption influences land use patterns, often leading to the expansion of cropland into previously uncultivated areas. This can result in significant changes in ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and alterations to the biosphere's functioning. Factors such as dietary shifts towards more resource-intensive foods, including meat and dairy, further exacerbate the need for increased agricultural production.

Understanding this relationship between food consumption and agricultural expansion is crucial, as it links human demographic trends directly to environmental impacts.