The Human Population and the Problems with Rapid Growth

Big Idea The size and growth rate of human population has changed drastically over the last 200 years. Those changes have led to profound changes to almost every place on Earth.

Population Trends What are the problems associated with rapid human population growth?

Problems With Rapid Growth Lack of infrastructure to support population Water supplies Sewers Roads Schools Power Plants Hospitals Housing

Problems With Rapid Growth Using up resources too quickly Water supplies Vegetation Food supplies Wood/fuels : wood supplies critical to life in many regions Land

Problems With Rapid Growth Shortage of Fuel Wood Supply of fuel ensures Boiled water Cooked food

Problems With Rapid Growth Unsafe water supplies Sewage mixing with water supplies Cholera Dysentery Typhoid 1 billion lack clean water 3 million/yr die

Clean Water Lacking If the millions of women who haul water long distances had a faucet by their door, whole societies could be transformed.

Problems With Rapid Growth Land becomes scarce Arable land : land that can grow crops Trade-offs made: agriculture, housing, natural habitats Which do you think typically wins out?

Problems With Rapid Growth Urbanization: movement of people from rural areas to cities Much of world is going through Increased demand on infrastructure

Problems With Growth In U.S. Suburban sprawl: work in cities live in suburbs Decay of inner cities Increased traffic Loss of farmland Decreased wildlife habitat

Suburban Sprawl