Human Overpopulation Flashcards
Explain the graph of population growth in billions:
10,000 BCE - 0b 1850 - 1b 1930 - 2b 1960 - 3b 1974 - 4b 1987 - 5b 1999 - 6b 2012 - 7b
1900-2000 Experienced a huge growth in population.
What are the 3 reasons human death rates have decreased in the past few centuries, thus producing massive population growth?
Agriculture - stronger immune system
Sanitation - clean water and understanding germs
Modern medicine - especially vaccinations, antibiotics
These are no longer population limitations.
How many children die per day of mostly preventable illness?
24,000 per day
1,000 per house, 1 child every three seconds in poor countries
How can we get zero population growth?
Replacement level fertility is when two adults have two surviving children, replacing them when they die.
The birth date would have to be just above 2 because some children will die.
What is carrying capacity?
Carrying capacity is the maximum number indefinitely sustainable by and environment. Population size will fluctuate around a maximum.
The graphs will experience small dips but still cap off at carrying capacity.
What are the two factors causing increased demand for energy are?
Growth of population
Energy-consuming technology
Leads to more people
Leads to more energy use per person
What are the two reasons we use technological fixes (nuclear/coal despite pollution) are?
High demand for cheap energy
Desire for profit
(Lack of political will)
Three main solutions to habitat destruction and over exploitation are?
- End or reverse human population growth
- End or reverse human consumption growth in affluent countries
- Better laws and enforcement to protect habitat and wildlife
Previously harmful chemicals were used, now less harmful chemicals are used.
What are Two reasons less harmful chemicals were utilized to begin with is because…?
Lack of knowledge
Profit motive
(Lack of concern for future generations)
What individual choice or societal action would reduce the use of pesticides?
Individual choice - don’t by the product
Societal action - laws and enforcement
Cheap food with pesticides vs. expensive food but pesticide free
