Geo 2.4: Population/Resource Balance

What is overpopulation?

too many people living in an area for the resources and tech to maintain an acceptable living standard i.e. people > resources & tech

What is underpopulation?

too few people living in an area to utilise the available resources

What is carrying capacity?

max # of people a place can support indefinitely

What are environmental factors that limit pop size?

food, land, water, shelter

Relationship between large pop and overpopulation

Large pop. ≠ Overpopulated

What are consequences of overpopulation?

Ø  Not enough housing

Ø  Water & air pollution

Ø  Shortage of food/water

Ø  High crime rates

Ø  Not enough healthcare/education

Ø  Lack of employment

Ø  Poverty

What are consequences of underpopulation?

Ø  Shortage of workers

Ø  Low level of production

Ø  Resources underused

Ø  High taxes

Ø  Lack of govt income

Ø  Small market for goods & services

Ø  Low value of exports

What is a solution for not enough housing?

Build high-rise buildings

What is a solution for not enough healthcare/education?

More advancements in tech, more taxes

What is a solution for low level of production?

Use more machinery for producing

What is a solution for lack of govt income?

Loan $$ from other countries

What is a solution for shortage of workers?

Change migration policy for areas with shortage of workers

Population/resource relationship model