Overview: Impact of World Population Growth on LCC and Biodiversity Loss

Question 1

Nature of LCC

Answer 1

• Shift of populations from rural to urban areas has resulted in the growth of large and megacities, rather than agricultural based settlements
• Land is cleared for housing, recreation and agriculture

Question 2

Rate of LCC

Answer 2

• Increase in demand for products and land has led to rapid urbanisation and clearing of land for housing, agriculture etc.

Question 3

Extent of LCC

Answer 3

• LCC is now global, with the exception of areas that are polar, sub-arctic or desert.
• Space is being found at the edges of urban settlements for expansion
• Intensification or expansion of agriculture onto marginal lands is needed to feed growing numbers.

Question 4

Nature of Biodiversity Loss

Answer 4

• Shift of growing populations from rural to urban areas has resulted in land areas being changed for urbanisation and increased demand, resulting in the loss of forest areas, which contain much of the world biodiversity
• This can result in habitat fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species or monocultures.
• As this land use continues, biodiversity is also lost due to pollution and other indirect effects

Question 5

Rate of Biodiversity Loss

Answer 5

• Results in increased demand for resources and the faster removal of trees and habitat, replaced by growing urban areas
• Mining, damming, agriculture and other human impacts result from increased demand.

Question 6

Extent of Biodiversity Loss

Answer 6

• Increased demand results in the extent of biodiversity loss increasing, as more and more habitats are destroyed for urbanisation and other land uses
• Plant species diversity decreases due to increasing areas of cropland, resulting in monocultures