Human Population Growth

The number one threat to the environment is a growing human

population.

How fast are we growing?

• The population reached 6.4 billion in 2004. 

• The United Nation projects that world population for the year 2050 could range from 7.9 billion to 10.9 billion, depending on the actions we take today. (http://www.cwac.net/population/index.html)

• Approximately 260,000 people are born every day, that’s 180 new babies every minute!

Why is this a problem for the planet?

• Each person requires energy, living space, and uses limited resources. This means less of these resources for other species.

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Why is the human population growing at such an alarming rate?

• Technology, sanitation, and medical advancements have decreased the death rate. Examples:- antibiotics to kill bacterial

infections like tuberculosis.– vaccines to prevent

diseases like small pox and polio.

– Life support, defibrillators, cures for disease.

Why is the human population growing at such an alarming rate?

• Modern farming methods allow us to provide a surplus of food.– Better farming tools

and fertilizers allow us to grow more crops.

There is a net growth in the human population each year.

• The death rate is decreasing.

• This means more people are being added to the population but less are leaving each year.

If we do not control our growth what is at risk?

• Clean water

• Energy sources to run our technology

• Clean air

• Cropland for farming

• Open spaces (wilderness)

• Fisheries (wild fish populations)

• Biodiversity—species may go extinct