2 Human Development & Overpopulation The main terms associated with human development How poor development of resources can lead to overpopulation How a region’s cultural differences, economic level, population growth, technological advancement and developments can all have a major impact on its population either positively or negatively

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation No. of people in a region too many for natural resources to support Carrying capacity exceeded Migration – release valve Underpopulation No. of people living in a region cannot use/exploit the natural resources fully Inward migration: increases living standards for all Optimum population The no. of people that can exist in a region with an adequate standard living without depleting natural resources.

Population:Resources.

Overpopulated? Japan Pop density 336km₂ Ethiopia Pop density 60km₂

Carrying Capacity The number of people a region can support Factors that can increase CC: Decreasing pop. Use of fertilisers New farming methods Irrigation Better crops/animals Land reclamation Factors that can decrease CC: Pop. Growth Soil erosion Deforestation Flooding Overgrazing/overcropping Urbanisation/migration Climate change

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Overpopulation & resources Causes of overpopulation: Climate change Flooding Unsustainable farming methods Population growth/high birth rates Depletion of resources

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Overpopulation & development of resources Effects of overpopulation Socio-economic Environmental

Characteristics of an over populated area High birth rates Lower life expectancy Lower literacy levels High unemployment Lack of surplus food Poor diet Unhygienic living conditions Financially stretched government Conflict over resources Lack of arable land Congestion Overcrowding Urban sprawl Environmental degradation

Link between population and level of development Measuring Development? Income Standard of Living GNP Total wealth at home and abroad divided by pop GDP (Gross domestic product) Total wealth produced in a country minus MNCs divided by pop HDI Index between 0 and 1.0 Uses three factors to rank countries according to Human Development Life expectancy Literacy rates GDP adjusted to local cost of living

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Impact of income levels on population growth Poverty is a cause of high birth rates large numbers of children seen as economic advantage In developing countries, dependency on agriculture is high Children can work to help produce food for family Governments cannot support families Children are insurance for the future –provide care to parents in old age Access to education and healthcare linked to income As income levels rise, birth rates drop In developed economies children are seen an economic responsibility due to cost of childcare etc.

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Influence of society on population Status of women Developing world: low status Less education: India, 62% illiterate Marry very young, role = produce sons India: 20% world’s maternal deaths, 25% child deaths

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Influence of society on population Education on family planning Availability of healthcare Government policy, eg China, Romania India: Vasectomy for a radio 1970s Promotion of smaller family

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Influence of culture on population Religion Strong religious influence = high birth rates Oppose artificial birth control & abortion Ireland 1970s, Catholic; Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia; South America Catholic influence declining – Italy, 1.3 births per mother per year

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Influence of culture on population Local customs India: no. of children indicates virility Desire for sons ( dowry) Traditional view of role of women Larger families – economic advantage, insurance

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Impact of technology on population growth Agricultural Revolution Improved farming methods Crop rotation Selective breeding Improved irrigation Improved fertilisers GM foods & the Green Revolution New strains of plants disease resistant varieties High yield seeds Use of chemicals Increased food supply

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Impact of technology on population growth Medical improvements Access to primary healthcare Immunisations Disease eradicaton programmes Decrease in infant mortality Longer life expectancy Improved family planning New drugs and treatments

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Advances technology can reduce effects of overpopulation Reduces ecological footprint Increase sustainable use of resources Afforestation Composite materials, eg. carbon fibre replacing metals Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossilfuels Fuel cells to replace finite oil supply Eco friendly agriculture eg organic Reduction of emissions Recycling conserves resources

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Case Study Causes of overpopulation in India unwise use of resources in Rajasthan region growing population large areas of forest cleared Humification and transpiration interrupted poor farming practices over cropping and overgrazing Soil erosion Spread of Thar Desert Infertile and unable to support pop.

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Overpopulation & the impacts of society & culture Effects of overpopulation in India Risk of famine Land very scarce Migration Unemployment Overcrowding

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Impact of population growth/decline Developing world South (stages 2/3) 30% under 14 years Challenges: basic healthcare & education Civil wars, corrupt leadership, no MNC investment Overpopulation Food security Agricultural lands – overworked & sterile Large populations; low wages

Chapter 2: Human Development & Overpopulation Impact of population growth/decline Developed world As economy improves, family size reduces North (stage 4/5) Inward migration from South to sustain living standards

Overpopulation: Links between issues Population growth Increased needs Increased consumption Environmental Degradation Declining Resources Scarcity & Poverty Conflict Migration