Author: Quirin Schiermeier
Topic: Nature
October 25, 2015
Source
The UN has recently published a report that explores many projections of the Earth's population. The report found that population growth is not likely to stop in the near future. The findings suggest that by 2100, there may be more than 12 billion people living on the planet. This goes against the previously-established claim that the world population would not rise above 10 billion. Recently, most of Asia, Europe, North America, and South America have had their birth rates fall to about 1.5 to 2 children/woman. However, in the study, Africa is expected to become almost as populated as Asia by the end of the century. Experts have attributed the high fertility rates to a lack of education and access to contraceptives.
Because humans are responsible for most, if not all environmental issues, overpopulation is one of the biggest concerns. This study by the UN is not good news at all, but the findings are not set in stone. Education is the single most influential tool in combatting overpopulation, but it is an expensive one. Another path that can be taken is to try and prepare to accommodate these 12 billion people in the least environmentally damaging way. This could be achieved through using resources in a sustainable way. However, this may prove to be just as difficult, and doesn't solve the root problem. As stated earlier, the results of the UN study do not have to be the reality. We can change our course, but it will take a tremendous amount of work.
Topic: Nature
October 25, 2015
Source
The UN has recently published a report that explores many projections of the Earth's population. The report found that population growth is not likely to stop in the near future. The findings suggest that by 2100, there may be more than 12 billion people living on the planet. This goes against the previously-established claim that the world population would not rise above 10 billion. Recently, most of Asia, Europe, North America, and South America have had their birth rates fall to about 1.5 to 2 children/woman. However, in the study, Africa is expected to become almost as populated as Asia by the end of the century. Experts have attributed the high fertility rates to a lack of education and access to contraceptives.
Because humans are responsible for most, if not all environmental issues, overpopulation is one of the biggest concerns. This study by the UN is not good news at all, but the findings are not set in stone. Education is the single most influential tool in combatting overpopulation, but it is an expensive one. Another path that can be taken is to try and prepare to accommodate these 12 billion people in the least environmentally damaging way. This could be achieved through using resources in a sustainable way. However, this may prove to be just as difficult, and doesn't solve the root problem. As stated earlier, the results of the UN study do not have to be the reality. We can change our course, but it will take a tremendous amount of work.