Population Issues Problems & Solutions

definitions Demography is the study of population and its changing patterns. Population growth rate is the rate at which a country’s population grows per year. It is expressed as a %. Birth rates are the number of live births per year per 1000 population. Death or mortality rates are the number of deaths per year per 1000 population. Natural increase is when birth rates are higher than death rates.

population distribution The distribution of people across the earth’s surface is highly uneven. Sparsely settled areas are those with low population densities. Densely settled areas contain more than 110 people per km².

china Population: (2010) Area: km² Average Population Density: 139.8

china

australia Population: (2011) Area: km² Average Population Density: 2.9

australia

population movements Internal displacement of people Refugee movements Immigration Temporary labour migration Rural urban drift

population issues Environmental Degradation Unsustainable growth rates Overuse and misuse of natural resources

population issues Overpopulation Too many people relative to the amount of natural resources and technology available (usually in LDC’s) Unemployment and under employment Loss of traditional cultures

population issues Poverty in Cities in LDC Countries: More concentrated in urban areas Rural urban drift

population issues Aging Population MDC Countries eg: Australia, Japan Burden on government budgets Working population decreases

population issues Dependency Ratio Higher in Less Developed Countries Inadequate education and health services Future employment Population pyramids page 25

why people have children? They want someone to support them in their old age Many of their children die prematurely Method of coping with poverty – more children means more help Religious and cultural expectations

solutions Reducing Population Growth Improved sanitation and health services Expanding educational facilities Improved employment opportunities

solutions Education of Women/Gender Equality Reduced fertility rates Reduced infant and maternal mortality

solutions Family Planning Allows women to limit number of children and decide when to have them Costs of contraception lower than providing food, education, health care

task Report on Population Issues You are a researcher from the Australian National University specialising in demography. You have been asked to write a report comparing the different types of problems faced in relation to population by countries at different levels of development in the AAP region.

task Your report should include: Outline the problems associated with population growth and decline, using examples from various countries in the region. Outline solutions and policies being employed to overcome the problems being faced. You should also include an evaluation of these problems

assessment Criteria 3: Use evidence to support reasoned opinions on issues of the Australia, Asia and Pacific region. Criteria 5: Apply problem solving skills to a range of contemporary issues with Australia, Asia and the Pacific region. Criteria 7: Apply knowledge and understanding in real and hypothetical contexts relevant to Australia, Asia and the Pacific region.

writing a report Reports MUST adhere to the following format requirements: have a title, headings and subheadings Title: Population Report comparing China and Japan Heading: Population Problems Subheading: Environmental Degradation

writing a report Use a numbering system for sections/sub-sections. 1.Population Problems A.Environmental Degradation B.Overpopulation Maps, graphs, charts, tables may be included within the report or attached as appendices. They MUST be referred to and discussed within the report.

writing a report Introduction Define what you are going to talk about – purpose of your report Give any necessary background information (be specific) to provide context Indicate the scope of the report - what it will cover Conclusion Sum up the main points of the report Don’t include any new information here Give any recommendations

writing a report Referencing You MUST include a reference list to show where you found your information If you quote another source, it is important to include in- text referencing to recognise this Use the referencing guidelines on the blog as a guide