Human Population Dynamics and Influencing Factors

Thomas Malthus

Authored 'An Essay on the Principle of Population' in 1798, predicting famine due to population surpassing food supply.

Karl Marx

Opposed Malthus, attributing population growth to poverty, resource depletion, and social issues.

Joel Cohen

Estimated Earth's sustainable population at 10-12 billion, alarming with current 7 billion population.

David Pimentel

Warned of a potential miserable life for 12 billion people by 2100, emphasizing birth control.

Technology Advancements

Increased carrying capacity for humans through progress in agriculture, engineering, and medicine.

Ecological Footprint

Measure of human impact on the environment in land and water needed for goods and waste.

Demand

Land and water needed for resource production and waste absorption.

Biocapacity

Biologically productive area available for resources and waste absorption.

Ecological Deficit

When a population demands more resources than the environment can regenerate.

Ecological Reserve

When a population's resources exceed its demands.

Julian Simon

Believed population growth drives technological innovation, considering people as the ultimate resource.

Ester Boserup

Stated that necessity drives invention, with population pressure fostering innovation.

Crude Death Rate

Number of deaths per 1,000 people annually, varying by country's healthcare and sanitation levels.

Life Expectancy

Average age a newborn can expect to live, globally increasing due to improved nutrition and education.

Life Span

Maximum age a species can survive, with Jeanne Calment holding the human record at 122 years.

Pronatalist Pressures

Factors encouraging childbearing, such as economic value, societal norms, and cultural beliefs.

Education and Income Impact

Higher education and personal freedom often lead to reduced desire for children, especially in wealthier nations.