Human (Population + Resources) Flashcards
What are the disadvantages of underpopulation
Doesnt allow for economies of scale; high taxes due to less workers (puts off businesses moving to country)
What is optimum population
Perfect balance of people to resources
Problems with over population
Low wages (but attracts businesses)
What are the three theories of how resources will be used by the world’s population
Malthus, Boserup, Simon
What are the basics of Malthus’ theory
Population growth in any area or on the planet, if unchecked, would lead to starvation
What are the two ‘checks’ in Malthus’ theory
Positive (what will happen) and negative (what people should do to stop it)
What are the limitations of Malthus’ theory
Doesnt take into account the global trade of food or aid to poorer countries; and it is too simplistic
What is Boserup’s theory
If there is a human problem, humans will be able to solve it with technology
What is Simon’s theory
That the supply of natural resources is really infinite- you can find more, extract more or find alternatives of anything
What is carrying capacity
The largest population that resources of a given environment can survive
How does carrying capacity vary
It will increase as the area develops but can also reduce (eg desertification)
Look at underlying idea graphs
23:09:15
Evidence for Boserup
Shifting cultivation systems and the green revolution
Evidence for Malthus
Wars and famines; population growth accelerated after mortality rates fell; and water scarcity is predicted to be a major resource issue
What can an unbalance of resources result in
War and famine etc
