Lecture 9

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the Climageddon Lecture 9 on the Population Bomb.

The Population Bomb

The Ehrlichs predicted worldwide famines due to overpopulation and advocated immediate action to limit population growth.

World Population Growth

Predicted to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.3 billion in 2100.

Top 10 Most Populous Countries (July 1, 2025 projections)

India, China, United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Russia, Mexico

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained in a specific environment.

Thomas Malthus

Warned of future difficulties with population increasing geometrically while food production increased arithmetically, leading to famine unless birth rates decreased.

Global Footprint Network

Estimated that humans have outgrown the sustainable capacity of the planet by 40%.

Factors Determining Carrying Capacity

Available land area, food supply, water, energy supply, climate decline, consumption levels, and technological innovations.

Earth's Carrying Capacity Estimates

Estimates vary widely, with the majority suggesting a limit at or below 8 billion people.

Demographic Transition Model

A model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically.

Energy Utilization, GDP, and Population Growth

Highlights how population growth, energy utilization, and GDP are interconnected.