Population Flashcards
Talk about Population Patterns and the importance of understanding them
The Global Population has undergone significant changes, influenced by both the physical environment and development processes.
Understanding population distribition, density, numbers and change rates is key to analysing demographic patterns. These factors shape economic development, resource use and urbanisation trends worldwide.
Talk about overall population numbers
Overall, the world population has increased. From 1820 to 1950, the population steadily increased from 1 billion to 2.5 billion. However, fromm 1950 onwards, the population suddenly increased to just 7 billion in 69 years. The UN projects it will reach 9 billion by 2050, though growth rates are slowing.
Talk about population density patterns
population is unevenly distributed with around 4.5 billion people living in Asia and 1 billion in Africa. 60% of the worlds population live in Asia compared to less than 1% in oceania. However, current trends show that Africa will overtake Asias population in 2100. Urbanized areas have high population densities due to economic opportunities and infrastructure.
Talk about population change rates
Historically, population growth was highest in high-income countries (HICs) due to improved healthcare and living conditions.
This trend has shifted, with low-income countries (LICs) now experiencing the highest growth rates as they undergo similar developmental changes.
Talk about Urbanisation as a factor in population change
Urbanization is a key driver of population distribution and density. As of 2023, 55% of the global population resides in urban areas, with projections estimating this will rise to two-thirds by 2050. Migration, employment opportunities, and better services contribute to urban growth.
Talk about how climate can shape population characteristics
- Climate impacts human health, agriculture and disease prevelance
Determines food productivity: high temperatures, sunlight hours, and precipitation. - Characteristics can drive the level and nature of diseases llike Tropical Climates experience high incidences of vector- borne diseases like malaria reducing life expectancy and slowing population growth.
- Arid climates face water scarcity reducing agricultural productivity and population densities.
- The most effective climates are temperate climates as they provide varied and stable conditions for settlements resulting in higher population densities.
Talk about how soils affect population
- Soil fertility determins agricultural productivituy which influences population patterns and food security.
- Feritility is determined by soil structure, texture and acidity.
Talk about natural resources and the effect on population
Access to essential resources like water, minerals and energy determins population stability
Name some physical environmental factors influencing population
- Soil
- Climate
- Natural Resources
- Geology
- Ecosystems
- Topography
- Natural Hazards
What are the 4 population parameters
DISTRIBUTION- The spatial spread of people accross the globe, influenced by environmental conditions and economic opportunities.
NUMBERS- The total count of individuals in a defined area, providing insights into demographic trends and policies.
DENSITY- The number of people per unit area
CHANGE- The increase or decreas in population overtime
What are the first 4 development revolutions
- Neolithic Revolution
- Industrial Revolution
- Green Revolution
Talk about the Neolithic Revolution’s impact on population
- This was the transition from hunter- gatherer societies to agricultural communities.
- Lead to a stable food supply, increasing birth rates and higher population growth
Talk about the industrial revolutions impact on population
- Mechanisation, improved medicine and urbanisation lead to a surge in population growth
- The global population increased by 57% during this period.
Talk about the green revolution’s impact on population
- Technological advancements in agriculture increased food production allowing the world to be able to sustain larger populations.
- Higher yield crops, chemical fertilisers and irrigation techniques help prevent famine in developing countries
Talk about future trends with slowing growth rates
Global population growth is decelerating, with birth rates declining in many HICs due to family planning, economic development, and changing social norms.
Talk about future trends with ageing populations
challenge because means a low working population and less money earned to pay taxes for development and pensions.
Talk about future trends with climate change
Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification may force mass migrations, reshaping global population distribution.
How has global food production changed?
Food production has tripled globally in the last 50 years with more crops being grown on more land and of a better quality.
How has global food production increased?
- Developments in farming machinery allowing for more crops to be collected in a quicker time frame- due to the green revolution
- Increased use of other farming resources, like herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, selective breeding, GMC’s maximize yields
- Better farming management mazimises yields and makes more farming land
- Increased reliance on global trade
Talk about the distribution of food production
The production of food is unevenly distributed due to the physical environment and LIC’s producing the least amount of crops.
This is mainly dye to physcial factors like climate soils and water availability which influence how much food can be grown in an area.
There is also human factors like economic resources and investment in technology which also determine the pattern.
Talk about production in Eastern Asia, North America and Africa
Eastern Asia- rich in agricultural resources, flat land, tradition of farming and abundance in rainfall.
North America- Plenty of rainfall, a temperate climate and heavy investment in farm machinery and herbicides and pesticides leads to higher crop yield.
Sub- Saharan Africa- Extreme climate and lack of funds for investment leads to consistent crop faliure and drought
Talk about the changing global food consumption
Globally, food consumption has increased over time ; there are more people (higher populations)
consuming food, and per person they are consuming more food.
Talk about the trends of food consumption
In general, the trend is very similar to food production with LIC’s consuming less food than HIC’s. The trend is majorly die to HIC’s having more money to import food and invest in agriculture. Furthermore, developing countries consumption rates are growing the quickest.
What are the two revolutions helping increase food production?
The Green Revolution- The Green Revolution occurred in the 1970s and 80s due to research increasing agricultural output. It includes: increased uses of fertilizers and increased mass farming.
The Fourth Revolution- This is the current and developing environment in which disruptive technologies are changing the way modern people live and work.
Talk about agriculture as a system
OPEN SYSTEM
Inputs: labour, precipitation, temperature, seeds, money, agrochemicals, fuel
Processes: rearing livestock, seasonal patterns, growth
Outputs- crops, livestock
What is the difference between intensive and extensive farming?
Intensive- Higher yields per area of land as a result of large investment in capital or labour- high output
Extensive- Small inputs of capital or labour per area leading to lower yields
What is the difference between commercial and subsidence farming?
Commercial Farming- The majority of produce is sold and income provide livelyhood for workers and to make a profit. Often intensive- high output
Subsidence Farming- Majority consumed by land owner to feed their family or community, only excess is sold. Low output level
What is agricultural productivity?
This is typically in terms of yield.
The TFP- Total Factor Productivity, is the ratio of agricultural outputs to inputs.
What are environmental variables affecting agricultural productivity?
Climate
Precipitation
Temperature
Winds
Climate Change
How does climate affect agricultural productivity
Crops and livestock are reliant on the climate, as the climate creates the nutrients and environment for them to thrive in. Climatic factors such as precipitation, temperature, humidity, and winds dictate what type of agriculture can occur and its productivity.
How does preciptation affect agricultural productivity?
Precipitation-Certain levels of water are needed to sustain plant and livestock growth, precipitation levels and distrivution determin water avaikability. In a steady year, rain gives an area the best chance to capture and store water. Extreme rainfall can damafe crops and arid areas need to import water for crops to survive.
How does temperature affect agricultural productivity?
must be within a certain range, as too cold or too hot temperatures will cause productivity to decrease. Maximum and minimum requirements for high yield depend on the crop variety but in general mean annualtemperaturesbetween 6°C and 25°C allow for highestproductivityand longest growing seasons. igher temperatures require more water supply to replace that which is lost toevapotranspiration
Talk about winds effect on agricultural productivity
Winds- Highwindscan restrict the growth of plants, particularly in grain crops, but in some locations local wind patterns can be beneficial
Talk about climate change’s effect on agricultural productivity
- Climate change has also affected agricultural productivity, as specialised farming cannot produce high yields due to the changing climate, and the amount of arable land is decreasing
- More frequent and extreme tropical storms is likely to decrease productivity by devestating cropland
Talk about The tropical monsoon climate
Such as much of India and Bangladesh, reversal winds take place. This is when in winter, winds come from the North bringing dry weather and in summer, they come from the South bringing intense rainfall.
This is characterised by the distinct hot, wet season and a cooler dry season. Temperature can average at 30 degrees Centigrade eith high humidity. The average rainfall is around 2000mm for the season compared to just over 600mm for the UK. Theese factors make cyclones very frequent.
Talk about farming in the tropical monsoon climate
Farming- This climate makes it good for rice farming. Rice seedlings are grown in nurseries until the monsoon season begins and they are planted in flooding fieelds called paddies which are flooded by this intense rainfall. These are level with mud walls making water retention good. A good monsoon season can support Indias Economy.
Talk about polar climates
Polar climates cover 20% of the Earth’s Surface. They are characterised by long and intensly cold winters with permanant covering of the land by glacial ice or snow. This freezes the ground below so in the summer the top layer thaws but the ground remains frozen- permafrost
Very few people live here however this figure has increased due to improved medical care and natural resources. They have also found ways around the inability to farm normally:
Talk about farming in polar climates
Farming- TIM MEYERS- Alaska. Their farm supplies organic produce to over 50 villages in Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, a region that historically had limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. He did this by:
- 2 year process to thaw permafrost and enrich soil by adding manure type matter to increase biological activity.
- Used raised beds and high tunnels to mitigate the cold temperatures
- Constructed a large underground root cellar to store harvested produce, preserving freshness
- Used artifical lighting for photosynthesis
Talk about the impact of climate change on agriculture
- Crops need to be developed to adapt to the changing climate- drought resistant, pest resistant etc.
- Reduces yields in some areas due to increased temperatures and reduced rainfall- this summers wheat drop is meant to be 40% lower
- North American and Northern Europe may see increased productivity with crop growing seasons lengthening
- Distribution of pests abd diseases widen
- More extreme weather destroys large expanses- droughts in medditerianian countries has lead to olive groves drying up and olive oil prices sky rocketing.
- Wildlife migrations due to changing climate affects food sources
- Coastal flooding deminishes crops
- Increased soil problems by extensive rainfall and droughts, harvests of crops like wheat and barley may fall over 17% in the UK increasing the price paid for things like beer and cereal.
Why is climate change relevant
Intense weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable which impacts food production and security. For example, in Asia, a billion people are expected to feel the consequences of climate change with flooding in low lying regions puting a strain on land.
How is agricultural productivity dependent on soils?
Agricultural productivity is dependent on the quality of soil. Different soils are suited to different types of agriculture, meaning there is only productivity of certain types of crops in some soils.
Soil erosion is a specific soil issue regarding the wearing away of soil, especially and most importantly the topsoil. Topsoil is the upper layer of soil, responsible for providing the majority of nutrients and structure for agricultural activities.
Talk about podzols
These soils are found in cold temperature climates where precipitation exeeds evaporation. Its a zonal soil which is acidic and has distinct horizons. Due to the acidity, water is more able to dissolve more minearals creating a plale E horizon and a O horizon consisting of pine tree precipitate. Due to precipitation, minerals are leeched. Due to leeching and high acidity, it is not good for agriculture. It can also form hard pan- preventing water draining.
Talk about Latosols
These are found in tropical regions where high temperatures and humidities encourage fast chemical weathering if bedrock forming soils up to 40m deep. This means high nutrient levels making it good to farm on. However, rainfall causes leeching which leaves behind a red precipitate of iron and aluminium- only good agriculturally in the short run.
How can water erosion occur?
climatic factors (flooding and heavy
rainfall), lack of plants/trees for interception, and topography (e.g. on a slope, soil can wash
away quickly due to rapid surface runoff). Agricultural practices can also contribute to water erosion; poor irrigation (controlled management of water for agriculture, rather than relying on precipitation), the removal of plants/ natural interceptors of precipitation, or poor contouring can cause water erosion, among other things
What are some issues with water erosion
- Crops can be washed away or become unstable
- Nutrients are leached away into lower parts of the soil affecting plant growth
- Weeds and bacteria can spread from other areas reducing productivity
- Rills and Gullies can obstruct farming equipment reducing agricultural land.
Talk about wind erosion
Soild may be remobed due ti high winds blowing away topsoil. This happens usually in dry climates as soil particles are less cohesive. As well as in areas of agriculture as practices like ploughing and tilling are loosen land.
What is waterlogging
This is when the soil becomes oversaturated with water and there is no longer oxygen gas in the soil meaning plants cant respire (aerobically).
This can happen naturally due to heavy rainfall, or also humanly due to structual deteriation meaning water cant drain or other farming practices- alike over irrigation
What issues can wind erosion cause?
- The most fertile topsoil is blown away, leaving crops with less nutrients for growth.
- Crops can become buried in thin layers of soil after high winds, which can damage crops
and restrict sunlight. - Wind erosion lowers a soil’s capacity to store water as the depth of soil is reduced, which
causes the soil to become drier.
What effects can waterlogging have?
- There is limited oxygen supply in the soil, restricting plant respiration and causing them to
‘drown’. - Roots may also rot in stagnant water, killing the plant or stunting growth.
- Waterlogged conditions can leach away minerals for plant growth, or bring unwanted
minerals to the topsoil, such as salts. - Water lowers the temperature of soils, which slows photosynthesis.
What is salinisation
This is the increase in salt content of the soil. It can occur naturally or humanly but in general because saline water rises to the surface, evaporates and leaves a salt concentrate on the top
What issues does Salinisation have?
- Salts are toxic to plants, which can reduce the fertility of plants, reduce yields, or kill them.
- High salt contents in soils affect how plants can absorb water. Water usually moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration , this process is known as osmosis. In normal soils, water will move from the soil (high concentration) to the roots (low concentration). However, when the salt content is high, this can hinder the process, or
even dehydrate the plants . Even when there are sufficient water supplies , plants may
still suffer from the effects of salinisation. - Salinisation may also break up natural soil structure , affecting plant growth and productivity.
Talk about desertification of soils
when land becomes overly dry and cracked. This is caused due to climate like little precipitation and high temperatures. As much as a third of global land is at risk of desertification.
What are some management techniques of soil problems?
Terracing
Contour Ploughing
Efficient Irrigation
Strip Farming
Crop Rotation
Moving Livestock
Multiple Cropping
Windbreaks
Talk about terracing as a management method for soil problems.
this is the act of making terraces which are flat surfaces cut into slopes for more effective farming. It prevents the washing away of soil nutrients by the rain, by reducing the velocity of rainwater flowing accross it. It widly happens in rice paddy fields in India
Talk about contour ploughing as a management method for soil problems.
The process of ploughing or planting accross a slope following its elevation contour lines. These create a water break reducing the formation of gullies during times of heavy precipitation. Its shown in Europe.
Talk about efficient irrigation as a management method for soil problems.
prevents waterlogging and Salinisation by preventing water surplus. This can be done with techniques like contour ploughing so water doesnt flow downhill fast, and terracing, when steps are carved into a hillside to spread water levels.
Talk about strip farming as a management method for soil problems.
This involves cultivating a field partioned into long, narrow strips which are alternated in a crop rotation system. It works by slowing down the water and wind.
Talk about crop rotation as a management method for soil problems.
This is the practice of growing a series of diferent types of crops over a period of time which increases the nutrients in the soil allowing it to be healthier and bind beyter reducing soil erosion.
Talk about moving livestock as a management method for soil problems.
ensures land is trampled extensivly and avoids overgrazing to keep soil in tact.
Talk about multiple cropping as a management method for soil problems.
planting more than one crop in an agricultural area to stop nutrients being overexploited and maintain soil quality.
What is food security?
This is the concept of having available, accessible and affordable food that is safe and nutritious so people live a healthy lifestyle. We do this by good food availability, access and utilisation.
- Availability- available to everyone in a population on a constant basis
- Food Access- People must be able to regularly acquire a n adequate quantity of food
- Utilisation- The food must have a positive impact on people.
Talk about food insecurity
Not every population in the world has food security, in fact 1 in 10 people globally experience chronic hunger as they do not have access to sufficient food
What are the three standard ways of combating food insecurity
Increasing Access- Increasing a country’s access to foreign markets allow quick imports, Trading agreements, Aid and relief. Economic growth- as a country develops, income rises and food becomes more affordable
Increasing Amount- New tech like GM crops, Managing farms through training and equipment. This includes sustainable farming like thanet Earth
Increasing Efficiency- Increasing efficiency of farms using equipment and better management. Green revolution- iproved productivity by increasing yields.
Talk about the role of the millennium development goals in combating food insecurity
This is 8 international development goals established after the millenium summit in 2000 by the UN to establish global issues, some stated below:
- eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- reduce child mortality
- improve maternal health
- improve mental health
The success was mixed with huge progress in thinks linked to the environment and education and mortality all increasing, however, many fell short of their targets
Talk about sustainable development goals in the prevention of food insecurity
SDG’s are more comprehensive applying to all countries and addressing a wide range of issues. MDG’s only focus on the development of countries.
They focus on zero hunger to promote sustainable agriculture and achieve food security. They help address underlying factors like poverty, climate change and unsustainable agriculture practices and help food security by promoting rural infrastructure, access to markets and impact food production
Talk about global patterns of mortality
Mortality can be numerically measured by mortality rate (number of deaths over time, per unit of population - usually per 1000)
Mortality rates vary over the world and can give an indication of the socioeconomic status of a region. Mortality is particularly low in Central America and the Middle East.
In less developed countries, this is due to poor socio-economic resources leading to a lower life expectamcy and in developed regions this is higher due to higher life expectancies and ageing populations.
Talk about infant mortality patterns
Infant Mortality- (the amount of infants that die per 1000 births) is another indicator of mortality and the socioeconomics of a region.
Infant mortality is highest in Africa, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Laos.
What is morbidity
Morbidity refers to the presence of disease within a population. It can be measured through incidence (the number of new cases over a period) and prevalence (the total number of cases at a given time).
Talk about morbidity in HIC’s
: HICs have older populations more prone to conditions like cancer and heart disease, and affluent lifestyles often lead to unhealthy diets, low physical activity, and increased risk of non-communicable diseases.
Talk about morbidity in LIC’s
LICs often have poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, limited healthcare, and lower levels of health education, increasing the spread of infectious and biologically transmitted diseases.
What is the epidemiological transition model?
This is the theory regarding population change, specifically how morbidity and disease changes as society develops overtime.
Due to economic and social developments, the main causes of death shift from infectious to degenerate, non- communicable diseases.
What are the stages of the epidemiological transition model?
1- infectious diseases, high mortality, pandemics
2- advances in technology and medicine, social change concerning hygine
3- developments in society creating diseases ie. lifestyle, low infectious diseases
How can economic developments impact health?
- investment in food production technology increases food supply and quality of the diet
- investment into transport allows for more widespread distributoon of food and medicine
- Improved sewage and drainage infrastructure
- More trade allows imports of more varied food supplies
Talk about how social developments impact health
- increased supply of clean water
- sanitation provision improved
- education about diet, sanitation and disease
- New medicines and vaccines discovered
- improved training of medical staff
Talk about how extreme weather effects health
Some areas are more prone to environmental hazards which can bring diseases like waterborne diseases like cholora.
How does topography impact health
Low-lying areas are also prone to waterborne diseases and stagnant water diseases.
Drawage- Flood plains of major river basins in tropical areas are prone to high rates of water borne diseases such as places like the ganges. Also, poor drainage on flat ground retains flood waters for longer, leading to increases in water borne diseases
Relief and Altitude- High rates of skin cancer with less protection from UV at high altitudes, less oxygen in mountain regions can lead to fatal brain and lung conditions.
Talk about air quality data
The world health organisation provides safe guidline limits for air pollution- 99% of the global population breathe air that exceeds these limits. These are contaminated by a number of pollutants which could cause illness when inhaled.
WHO data suggests the combined effects of ambient and household air pollution leads to7 million premature deaths annuallyaround the world
What are the two types of air pollution
Ambientair pollution in bothcitiesandruralareas is causing fineparticulate matter- This increases the risk ofstrokes,heart diseases,lung cancer, acute and chronicrespiratory diseases
Householdair pollution, while using pollutingopen firesorovensfuelled bykerosene,biomass(wood, animal dung and crop waste) andcoal Household pollutants result in approximately2.4billionpeople being exposed todangerous levels
Talk about water quality and health facts
Safe drinking water and clean water for hygiene and sanitation is essential to good health. The world health organisation:
- over 2 billion people live in regions suffering from water- stress, this is getting worse due to climate change and population growth
- More than 2 billion use a drinking water source contaminated by faeces
- Microbiology contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485,000 deaths from diarrhoea- second leading cause of death globally in children under 5
Talk about impact and causes of water quality and health
Industrialandagricultural wastedischargespollutantsinto water sources. This can lead to drinking water containingarsenic,fluorideornitrate, as well aspesticidesandmicroplastics
Poorqualityof water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene also makes itdifficulttopreventandmanageother diseases prevalent in developing countries
Talk about the role of global organisations
Global organisations play a vital part in promoting health and fighting against disease.
International agencies work with governments , conduct research, spread awareness, and provide resources with the intention of achieving good health globally . Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are non-profit organisations that work independently from government
What is the WHO?
aim to improve global health and fight diesease. 47 countries and their governments are members and WHO advises onvaccines,research,instructionandassistancewithclean waterprogrammes, andtreatmentofcommunicableandnon-communicablediseases
What are the WHO responsible for?
- Providing leadership on matters critical to health and engaging in partnerships where joint action is
needed - Shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable
knowledge - Setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation
- Articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options
- Providing technical support, catalysing change, and building sustainable institutional capacity
- Monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends
Talk about the food and agriculture organisation
Food and Agriculture Organisation- Aim to prevent hunger thus maintaining global health, They are big on research and allow people to work with their information to come up with mitigation strategies
Noteable successes have been the complete eradication of small pox in the 1970’s and the Global Polio Eradication Initative which has reduced cases by 99%.
What are the roles of NGO’s
These are non- profit organisations working seperately and independently from any governments. Many are involved in the promotion of health and healthcare. However, they may lack the resources of larger international organisations as they rely on donations and aid. This can limit there impact.
Talk about oxfam
Charity which aims to eradicate poverty globally. They work with in need countries by providing clean water and sanitation both long and short ter,
