Population growth

Global human population growth is around 81

million annually, or 1.2% per year.
In the 1800s, the world had about one billion
people but as of 2009, the world population
has reached about seven billion.
Four factors determine population growth for
a given geographical area
1. births
2. deaths
3. immigration rate and
4. emigration rate

causes
1. The obvious reason is that there are more
births than deaths. This is called natural
increase.
2. Another major reason is a result of people
living longer and lower infant mortality.
3. Poor family planning
4. Migration results in population changes
5. The rise in populations is mainly in developing
nations
Problem with higher population growth
1. Inadequate housing, public health and education
services
2. Natural resources are decreasing
1. Food supply
2. Fresh water
3. Coastlines and oceans
4. Forest and agricultural land decreases
3. Environmental pollution/global climate change
4. Biodiversity (species extinction and habitat
destruction)
5. Unemployment and socio-political unrest
6. Recreation facilities and parks are becoming
inadequate
Slowing population growth would help
improve living standards and would buy time
to protect natural resources.
In the long run, to sustain higher living
standards------------world population size must
stabilize.
Control
Population control may use one or more of the following
practices although there are other methods as well:
1. Low fertility rates
2. Guarantee education through secondary school for all,
especially girls.
3. Integrate lessons on population, environment, and
development into school curricula at multiple levels
4. Making different policies/legislation
5. Increasing emigration
6. decreasing immigration
7. Reducing infant mortality so that parents do not
increase their family size
The method chosen can be strongly influenced by the
religious and cultural beliefs of community members.