Unit 8- Human Population

How does population pressure affect natural resource?

It increases demand of water , food, and land, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity

What is the estimated global population as of February 2025?

Over 8.2 billion people

What essential resources does each individual require?

Food, water, energy, and shelter

How does resource use differ between developed and developing nations?

Developed nations consume more resources per capita than developing nations

When did the human species originate, and how large was the population initially?

Around 200,000 years ago, with only a few thousand individuals

What was the estimated global population in 2025?

Over 8.2 billion people

How long did it take for the human population to reach 1 billion?

Until the early 1800s

How fast is the population growing today?

Over 80 million people are added annually

What were the three major factors that contributed to rapid population growth?

1. Agricultural advancements increased the food supply.

2. Industrialization improved living conditions and medical care.

3. Technological advancements reduced mortality rates.

How do developed and developing nations differ in environmental impact per person?

Developed countries have a greater environmental impact per person due to higher resource consumption and pollution levels

Why do industrialized nations contribute more to pollution?

They consume more resources, rely on fossil fuels, and have larger industries, increasing emissions and waste

What is Sweden’s GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions per capita?

• GDP per capita: $60,430

• CO₂ emissions per capita: 4.4 metric tons

What is Uganda’s GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions per capita?

• GDP per capita: $572

• CO₂ emissions per capita: 0.143 metric tons

What does the Sweden-Uganda comparison highlight?

A significant disparity in wealth, resource consumption, and environmental impact between developed and developing nations

What percentage of global resources do the wealthiest 1 billion people consume?

Nearly 80% of global resources

How does economic development affect environmental impact?

It leads to higher consumption of resources and increased pollution

What is the projected global population stabilization?

Around 16 billion people

What key resources may become limiting in the future?

• Minerals (needed for infrastructure and technology).

• Energy resources (oil, gas, and renewables).

• Clean water (due to pollution and overuse).

• Food supply (as agricultural land becomes scarce).

What are four major environmental constraints that limit population growth?

1. Space (urban expansion, land conflicts).

2. Food (arable land and sustainable agriculture).

3. Water (freshwater depletion and pollution).

4. Environmental conditions (climate change, natural disasters).

How is population growth calculated?

(Births + Immigration) – (Deaths + Emigration)

What is the current global population growth rate, and why has it declined?

• Growth Rate: 0.85% annually.

• Reasons for Decline:

  • Improved healthcare and lower infant mortality.

  • Urbanization and economic shifts reducing birth rates.

  • Increased access to contraception and family planning.

  • Education and employment opportunities for women.

Which regions have the highest population growth rates?

• Central America.

• The Middle East.

• Parts of Africa.

• Southeast Asia.
  (Developed regions experience stable or declining growth rates.)

How is the global population distributed?

• Unevenly distributed across continents.

  • Highest population density in urban areas and coastal regions.

What does a bottom-heavy population pyramid indicate?

• High birth rates and population momentum.

• Predicts continued population growth in the coming decades.

What does a top-heavy population pyramid indicate?

• Aging population and low birth rates.

• Higher dependency ratio can strain economic resources.

4o

What is the Demographic Transition Model?

A model based on the population history of economically developed countries

What happens before the demographic transition?

High birth rates and high death rates lead to a stable population

What happens during the demographic transition?

Lower death rates while birth rates remain high → Rapid population growth

What happens after the demographic transition?

Low birth rates and low death rates → Population stabilization

How do future population trends differ between developed and developing nations?

• Developed nations: Growth rates are constant or declining.

• Developing nations: Growth rates remain high.

What is fertility rate?

The number of children born to an average woman in her lifetime

What was the global fertility rate in 1960?

Around 5 children per woman

What is the global fertility rate in 2022?

Declined to 2.4 children per woman

Why do fertility rates vary by region?

Economic, social, and political factors contribute to fertility rate variations

What is the fertility rate in Bolivia?

2.6 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in Cambodia?

2.3 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in Germany?

1.5 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in India?

2.0 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in Russia?

1.4 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in Uganda?

4.5 children per woman

What is the fertility rate in Canada?

1.3 children per woman

Which countries typically have higher fertility rates, developed or developing nations?

Developing nations generally have higher fertility rates, while developed nations have lower fertility rates

How does education affect fertility rates?

Higher levels of education lead to lower fertility

How does women's participation in the workforce affect fertility rates?

Tend to have fewer children

How does gender equality impact fertility rates?

Correlates with lower fertility rates

How does women's access to reproductive healthcare influence birth rates?

Empowers women, leading to lower birth rates

How does delaying childbirth affect population growth?

Increases the time between generations, slowing population growth

What is the link between high population growth and economic development?

High population growth is often linked to lack of economic development, and the poorest countries tend to have the fastest-growing populations

How does high population growth create economic strain?

High population growth creates increased demand for jobs, healthcare, and resources, putting pressure on governments to maintain economic stability

What approach can help stabilize population growth in economically strained countries?

Focusing on population control measures can help stabilize growth and ease economic strain

How did China's One-Child Policy affect fertility rates?

Implemented in 1979, the fertility rate dropped from 6 in 1966 to 1.8 by 2009

Why was China’s One-Child Policy controversial?

The policy raised human rights concerns, particularly regarding freedom of reproductive choices

What adjustments were made to China’s One-Child Policy?

• 2016: Transitioned to a Two-Child Policy due to an aging population.

• 2021: Moved to a Three-Child Policy to address economic sustainability concerns.

What is the current global life expectancy?

The global life expectancy has increased to ~70 years

How does life expectancy relate to population growth?

Lower death rates lead to population growth. In Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model, death rates fall rapidly while birth rates remain high, causing explosive growth

How long did it take for birth rates to decline in developed countries after death rates fell?

In developed countries, birth rates took ~100 years to decline after death rates dropped

How is the transition in developing countries different from developed ones?

In developing countries, the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates is occurring much faster

What is the relationship between population growth and resource consumption?

More people lead to increased resource consumption, pollution, and environmental damage

Do all individuals contribute equally to the environmental impact of population growth?

No, wealthier individuals and nations generally consume more resources and contribute more to environmental damage

What does the IPAT model stand for?

Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology

What factors influence human impact according to the IPAT model?

Depends on both population size and consumption habits (affluence) as well as technology

What is Bangladesh's per capita GDP in 2023?

$2,551 in 2023

What is the population of Bangladesh in 2023?

171.5 million

What is the population growth rate in Bangladesh in 2023?

Bangladesh is 1.2% in 2023

What is the main factor in Bangladesh's environmental impact?

Population size

What is the United States' per capita GDP in 2023?

$82,770 in 2023

What is the population of the United States in 2023?

340 million in 2023

What is the population growth rate in the United States in 2023?

0.5%

What is the main factor in the United States' environmental impact?

Affluence and consumption levels

How can technology influence environmental impact?

• Increases pollution and waste.

• Green technology (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency) reduces environmental damage.

Does rising affluence always lead to increased environmental impact?

Does not necessarily increase environmental impact if sustainable technology is used

What is the ecological footprint?

A measure of how much land and resources are needed to sustain an individual’s lifestyle

How does affluence affect ecological footprint?

Increases ecological footprint, but sustainable practices can reduce it

Where will most future population growth occur?

Will occur in developing nations

What will happen as developing nations experience economic development?

Rising affluence will occur

What key questions arise for sustainability?

• How will increased wealth affect energy use, resource consumption, and food demand?

• How can technology and policies reduce environmental impact while supporting economic growth?

• What strategies can ensure sustainable development and resource management?