Patterns and Change Notes

Populations in Transition

The study of population trends and changes over time.

Exponential growth

Rapid and increasing population growth over time.

Crude birth rate (CBR)

The total number of births per thousand people in a population.

Total fertility rate (TFR)

The average number of births per woman in a population.

Gender-related development index (GDI)

A measure of gender inequality based on life expectancy, education, and standard of living.

Dependency ratio

The ratio of the economically dependent population (aged

Migration

The permanent movement of people from one place to another.

Disparities in wealth and development

Inequalities in economic growth, employment, health, education, and opportunities between and within countries.

Informal economy

Economic activities that are not regulated or protected by the government.

Poverty cycle

A cycle of poverty where certain countries or regions struggle to develop and escape poverty.

Dominant World Economic Power

Asia was the dominant world economic power until 200 years ago.

Rapid Economic Growth

Rapid economic growth rates are helping Asia regain its former position as the dominant world economic power.

Income Inequalities

Income inequalities are characterized by the "Twin Peaks" of rich and poor.

Twin Peaks

The "Twin Peaks" represent the largest countries at either end of the income spectrum, with one pole representing the 2.4 billion people with a mean income less than $1000 a year, and the other pole representing 500 million people with an annual income exceeding $11500.

Global Disparities

The main changes in income between different regions of the world include continued rapid economic growth in already rich countries, decline in real income of sub-Saharan Africa and eastern Europe, and relatively modest gains in Latin American and Arab states.

Lack of Decent Work and Low Incomes

One of the most important global disparities relates to the lack of decent work and low incomes, with about 200 million people not having any form of work according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Health and Education Inequalities

Health and education inequalities have widened, especially within countries, with sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia being in the worst predicament.

Environmental Impacts

Today's disparities are closely linked to human impact on the environment, with the poor frequently having poor access to land, water, fuel, and other natural resources, which limits productivity.

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the increase in temperatures around the world, particularly since the 1980s, caused by the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases allow short-wave radiation from the sun to pass through to heat up the earth, but trap an increasing proportion of long-wave radiation from the earth.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The enhanced greenhouse effect is the increased amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Effects of Global Warming

The effects of global warming include a rise in sea levels, increase in storm activity, changes in agricultural patterns, reduced rainfall, and extinction of wildlife species.

Policies to Combat Climate Change

Policies to combat climate change include reducing CO2 emissions through improved energy efficiency, fuel switching, use of renewable energy sources, nuclear power, capture and storage of CO2, and increasing the rate at which natural sinks take up CO2.

Changing Water Supply and Demand

Water usage has increased six times in the past century, and many areas are experiencing changing water supply and demand, depletion of aquifers, and dropping water tables.

Water Stress

Water stress occurs when per capita water supply is less than 1700 m3 per year, leading to frequent water shortages and problems for food production and economic development.

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity can be physical or economic, with physical water scarcity occurring when water consumption exceeds 60% of the usable supply, and economic water scarcity occurring when additional storage and transport facilities are needed but are too costly.

Water Quality

Water quality needs to be of adequate quality for consumption, as poor water quality can lead to water-related diseases and health problems.

Global Water Supply and Sanitation

Access to safe water supplies and sanitation is still a challenge, with urban areas being better served than rural areas, and countries in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean being better off than African countries.

Ecological Footprints

Ecological footprints measure the amount of Earth's bio productive space needed to sustain a population at its current level of resource consumption, taking into account factors such as arable land, pasture land, forests, oceans, infrastructure needs, and energy costs.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is essential in aiding the poor, as they are highly dependent on the environment and its resources, and climate change and overexploitation of resources are negatively impacting their livelihoods.

Challenges and Solutions

Efforts must be made to improve understanding of the environmental impact of development strategies and recognize the link between environmental degradation and poverty in order to achieve long-term sustainable development.

Environmental degradation

The deterioration of the environment due to human activities, resulting in the depletion of natural resources and negative impacts on ecosystems.

Policy development

The process of creating and implementing policies, which are guidelines or rules established by governments or organizations to address specific issues or achieve certain objectives.

Economic growth

The increase in the production and consumption of goods and services in an economy over time, often measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Cost-effective

Producing the desired outcome or benefits at a reasonable cost or with the most efficient use of resources.

Korup National Park

A protected area in Cameroon established in 1986, aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development through limited human activities such as tourism, research, and recreation.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, considering social, economic, and environmental aspects.

Community forests

Large forest areas managed by local communities in a sustainable manner, with regular oversight from the government and organizations like the WWF.

Alternative energy sources

Renewable resources such as hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind energy, and tidal energy that can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels for generating electricity.

Renewable energy

Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass.

Recycling

The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

Reuse

The practice of using a product multiple times by returning it to the manufacturer or processor for refurbishment or repurposing, reducing the need for new production.

Reduction

The act of using less energy or resources, such as turning off lights when not in use, to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Substitution

The act of using one resource instead of another, often choosing renewable resources over non-renewable ones to promote sustainability.

Landfill

A method of waste disposal where waste materials are buried in the ground and covered with soil and other materials, often used for domestic and hazardous waste.

Fly-tipping

The illegal dumping of waste or old equipment by individuals or companies, contributing to environmental pollution and health hazards.