Human Population Issues

#1 problem concerning the environment today = human overpopulation

Human Overpopulation Basically, there are limited resources and an ever increasing population. Limited resources includes (but not limited too): Food, Water, Energy, Adequate Housing, Technology, Adequate Infrastructure

Human Overpopulation

What could we do if we wanted to decrease population growth? In a free and democratic culture we could Educate women and raise the standard of living Have above and access to family planning (birth control) you set up a situation to encourage low birth rates – page 261 monkey book In a less free and friendly culture we could: 1. Decrease food production 2. Sterilize people 3. Slap governmental laws/programs on reproductive freedoms

2.1 (important number) If every woman has an average of 2.1 babies we will be at 0% population growth What is the advantage of a stable population? What is the advantage of a growing population? Africa = 4.7 babies/woman Australia and South Pacific = 2.5 babies/woman Latin America and Carribbean = 2.3 babies/woman Asia = 2.2 babies/woman North America = 2.0 babies/woman Europe = 1.6 babies/woman

A Population Paradox People in developed (well to do) countries have less kids than people in developing (less well to do) countries. The resources currently available only allow a minority of the world’s people to live at a high standard of living. As your standard of living increases so does the amount of impact you have on the planet.

Is it equitable? Social Justice Is America exceptional and every other nation needs to look to us to see where they can reach if they really try? OR Are resources not evenly distributed?