1. Changing Population Trends
Unit 4: The Biosphere - Video
Changing Population Trends

2. The Reality
Populations experiencing a high growth rate cause environmental problems
Overwhelm the infrastructure: suburban sprawl, overcrowded schools (or incessant building of County), polluted rivers, etc.
Deforestation (esp. if wood is still being used for fuel)
Water sources become packed with disease
Suburban sprawl leads to bad traffic!!

3. Least Developed Countries
Not every country goes through the demographic transition (last class) in the same way
Countries that show few signs of development and increasing death rates (with high birth rates)
Given priority for foreign aid and development programs (by UN)

5. Human Carrying Capacity
Can we increase our carrying capacity forever?
Good news: growth is slowing
Reduced birth rates; investing in sustainability
How much time do we have?
Population ecologists predict a global population of 8.110.6 billion people in 2050
Estimate – billion
Population Paradox: end at…