Human Overpopulation

Question 1

Explain the graph of population growth in billions:

Answer 1

10,000 BCE - 0b
1850 - 1b
1930 - 2b
1960 - 3b
1974 - 4b
1987 - 5b
1999 - 6b
2012 - 7b

1900-2000 Experienced a huge growth in population.

Question 2

What are the 3 reasons human death rates have decreased in the past few centuries, thus producing massive population growth?

Answer 2

Agriculture - stronger immune system

Sanitation - clean water and understanding germs

Modern medicine - especially vaccinations, antibiotics

These are no longer population limitations.

Question 3

How many children die per day of mostly preventable illness?

Answer 3

24,000 per day

1,000 per house, 1 child every three seconds in poor countries

Question 4

How can we get zero population growth?

Answer 4

Replacement level fertility is when two adults have two surviving children, replacing them when they die.

The birth date would have to be just above 2 because some children will die.

Question 5

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 5

Carrying capacity is the maximum number indefinitely sustainable by and environment. Population size will fluctuate around a maximum.

The graphs will experience small dips but still cap off at carrying capacity.

Question 6

What are the two factors causing increased demand for energy are?

Answer 6

Growth of population
Energy-consuming technology

Leads to more people
Leads to more energy use per person

Question 7

What are the two reasons we use technological fixes (nuclear/coal despite pollution) are?

Answer 7

High demand for cheap energy
Desire for profit

(Lack of political will)

Question 8

Three main solutions to habitat destruction and over exploitation are?

Answer 8

1. End or reverse human population growth
2. End or reverse human consumption growth in affluent countries
3. Better laws and enforcement to protect habitat and wildlife

Question 9

Previously harmful chemicals were used, now less harmful chemicals are used.

What are Two reasons less harmful chemicals were utilized to begin with is because…?

Answer 9

Lack of knowledge
Profit motive

(Lack of concern for future generations)

Question 10

What individual choice or societal action would reduce the use of pesticides?

Answer 10

Individual choice - don’t by the product
Societal action - laws and enforcement

Cheap food with pesticides vs. expensive food but pesticide free