Addressing Population
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Detailed Summary:
- Population growth affects economic development, resource use, and environmental sustainability. Rapid population increase can lead to poverty, environmental degradation, and strain on health, education, and employment systems. Addressing population involves understanding its causes, effects, and implementing strategies for sustainable development.
The Link Between Growing Population and Environmental Degradation
- A larger population increases demand for food, water, energy, and housing.
- Overuse of natural resources can cause deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity.
- High population contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions due to increased energy use, transport, and industrial activity.
- UN estimates the world population will reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, mostly in developing countries.
- Reducing consumption in developed countries and controlling population growth in developing countries are critical for sustainability.
The Demographic Transition
- Demographic transition is the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as societies develop.
- Stages of transition:
- Stage 1 – Pre-industrial: High birth and death rates; population stable
- Stage 2 – Early industrial: Death rates fall, population rises rapidly
- Stage 3 – Mature industrial: Birth rates decline, growth slows
- Stage 4 – Post-industrial: Both birth and death rates are low; population stabilizes
Strategies for Controlling Growth of Population
- Family planning and birth control – contraceptives and awareness programs.
- Health care – reducing infant and maternal mortality.
- Education – especially women’s education for informed family planning.
- Economic development – employment opportunities reduce the need for large families.
- Women-centered human development – empowering women improves health and reduces fertility rates.
Development Framework for Poverty Alleviation
- Social mobilisation – community participation in development activities.
- Agricultural development – better farming practices increase food security.
- Small-scale industries – provide local employment and reduce rural migration.
- Human development – education, health care, and nutrition improve quality of life.
Human Environment
- Early humans lived in close harmony with nature.
- With time, humans modified the environment → invention of wheel, agriculture, industries, trade, transport, communication.
- Today, humans create cities, machines, and technology that change nature.
Key Examples & Facts
- Car fumes pollute air, factories pollute water and land.
- Humans must balance needs with conservation.
- World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June.