1. The Human Population

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

11. 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

12. Suburban Sprawl