Population Flashcards
Talk about Population Patterns and the importance of understanding them
The Global Population has undergone significant changes, influenced by both the physical environment and development processes.
Understanding population distribition, density, numbers and change rates is key to analysing demographic patterns. These factors shape economic development, resource use and urbanisation trends worldwide.
Talk about overall population numbers
Overall, the world population has increased. From 1820 to 1950, the population steadily increased from 1 billion to 2.5 billion. However, fromm 1950 onwards, the population suddenly increased to just 7 billion in 69 years. The UN projects it will reach 9 billion by 2050, though growth rates are slowing.
Talk about population density patterns (globally)
population is unevenly distributed with around 4.5 billion people living in Asia and 1 billion in Africa. 60% of the worlds population live in Asia compared to less than 1% in oceania. However, current trends show that Africa will overtake Asias population in 2100. Urbanized areas have high population densities due to economic opportunities and infrastructure.
Talk about population change rates
Historically, population growth was highest in high-income countries (HICs) due to improved healthcare and living conditions.
This trend has shifted, with low-income countries (LICs) now experiencing the highest growth rates as they undergo similar developmental changes.
Talk about Urbanisation as a factor in population change
Urbanization is a key driver of population distribution and density. As of 2023, 55% of the global population resides in urban areas, with projections estimating this will rise to two-thirds by 2050. Migration, employment opportunities, and better services contribute to urban growth.
Talk about how climate can shape population characteristics
- Climate impacts human health, agriculture and disease prevelance
Determines food productivity: high temperatures, sunlight hours, and precipitation. - Characteristics can drive the level and nature of diseases llike Tropical Climates experience high incidences of vector- borne diseases like malaria reducing life expectancy and slowing population growth.
- Arid climates face water scarcity reducing agricultural productivity and population densities.
- The most effective climates are temperate climates as they provide varied and stable conditions for settlements resulting in higher population densities.
Talk about how soils affect population
- Soil fertility determins agricultural productivituy which influences population patterns and food security.
- Feritility is determined by soil structure, texture and acidity.
Talk about natural resources and the effect on population
Access to essential resources like water, minerals and energy determins population stability
Name some physical environmental factors influencing population
- Soil
- Climate
- Natural Resources
- Geology
- Ecosystems
- Topography
- Natural Hazards
What are the 4 population parameters
DISTRIBUTION- The spatial spread of people accross the globe, influenced by environmental conditions and economic opportunities.
NUMBERS- The total count of individuals in a defined area, providing insights into demographic trends and policies.
DENSITY- The number of people per unit area
CHANGE- The increase or decreas in population overtime
What are the first 4 development revolutions
- Neolithic Revolution
- Industrial Revolution
- Green Revolution
Talk about the Neolithic Revolution’s impact on population
- This was the transition from hunter- gatherer societies to agricultural communities.
- Lead to a stable food supply, increasing birth rates and higher population growth
Talk about the industrial revolutions impact on population
- Mechanisation, improved medicine and urbanisation lead to a surge in population growth
- The global population increased by 57% during this period.
Talk about the green revolution’s impact on population
- Technological advancements in agriculture increased food production allowing the world to be able to sustain larger populations.
- Higher yield crops, chemical fertilisers and irrigation techniques help prevent famine in developing countries
Talk about future trends with slowing growth rates
Global population growth is decelerating, with birth rates declining in many HICs due to family planning, economic development, and changing social norms.
Talk about future trends with ageing populations
challenge because means a low working population and less money earned to pay taxes for development and pensions.
Talk about future trends with climate change
Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification may force mass migrations, reshaping global population distribution.
How has global food production changed?
Food production has tripled globally in the last 50 years with more crops being grown on more land and of a better quality.
How has global food production increased?
- Developments in farming machinery allowing for more crops to be collected in a quicker time frame- due to the green revolution
- Increased use of other farming resources, like herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, selective breeding, GMC’s maximize yields
- Better farming management mazimises yields and makes more farming land
- Increased reliance on global trade
Talk about the distribution of food production
The production of food is unevenly distributed due to the physical environment and LIC’s producing the least amount of crops.
This is mainly dye to physcial factors like climate soils and water availability which influence how much food can be grown in an area.
There is also human factors like economic resources and investment in technology which also determine the pattern.
Talk about production in Eastern Asia, North America and Africa (food production)
Eastern Asia- rich in agricultural resources, flat land, tradition of farming and abundance in rainfall.
North America- Plenty of rainfall, a temperate climate and heavy investment in farm machinery and herbicides and pesticides leads to higher crop yield.
Sub- Saharan Africa- Extreme climate and lack of funds for investment leads to consistent crop faliure and drought
Talk about the changing global food consumption
Globally, food consumption has increased over time ; there are more people (higher populations)
consuming food, and per person they are consuming more food.
Talk about the trends of food consumption
In general, the trend is very similar to food production with LIC’s consuming less food than HIC’s. The trend is majorly die to HIC’s having more money to import food and invest in agriculture. Furthermore, developing countries consumption rates are growing the quickest.
What are the two revolutions helping increase food production?
The Green Revolution- The Green Revolution occurred in the 1970s and 80s due to research increasing agricultural output. It includes: increased uses of fertilizers and increased mass farming.
The Fourth Revolution- This is the current and developing environment in which disruptive technologies are changing the way modern people live and work.