E11. The level of human population is a biological and ethical issue.

A Closer Look 12,000 years 2,000 Years 200 Million by 1 A.D. 1 Billion in 1800 A.D. The Industrial Revolution 1 Billion 200 million

Population Predictions Most predictions: 9-12B by 2050 10-15B by 2100 UN (Low) requires global fertility at less than zero growth in 15 years Large uncertainties

The world’s 10 most populous countries in 2008, with projections of their population sizes in 2025

Population density across the world.

Absolute population: The size of each country is a comparison of its population to other countries.

Change in population due to the development of three major technologies

What’s Behind Population Growth Industrial Revolution Growth of Cities and Infrastructure Water Energy Transportation Increased Productivity Nutrition Sanitation Medicine Three Factors Fertility Infant Mortality Longevity Animal Domestication and Agriculture Provided for a few to feed many

E11. 1. Explain how the growth of. the human population is E11.1 Explain how the growth of the human population is placing huge demands on the resources of the biosphere.

Population May Overshoot When Population Outpaces Resources

Resource Consumption High consumption Getting worse Rate increase faster than population growth

Our ‘Commons’ are in Danger Atmospheric pollution and climate change Water pollution, including ground aquifers Deforestation and loss of oxygenation The oceans, coral reefs and their bounty National parks, wildernesses and wetlands Standard of living Use of energy Nonrenewable natural resource depletion Fossil fuels, mineral ores, topsoil…..

Resource Limits - Land Deforesting to acquire more arable land Would run out in next century at current yields Probably need to double yields

Resource Limits - Water In 1950 people used half of accessible water Are now dependent on dams Pollution loses 33% of potential water Getting close to limits

Energy Consumption Energy growth very high last fifty years Mostly hydrocarbon fuels Nonrenewable resource consumption and climate change issues

Unicef: An urban world interactive

Predicting the Future - Be Careful Don’t assume it can’t be done Leave room for the unknown Consider alternatives carefully Pursue all potential solutions

E11. 1. Explain how the growth of. the human population is E11.1 Explain how the growth of the human population is placing huge demands on the resources of the biosphere.

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem limits a population

Contraception in the developing world Children later in life Green movements Agricultural practices