Population Dynamics and Environmental Impacts

Question 1

Environmental health vulnerabilities of population sub-groups

Answer 1

• Children - smaller body size, higher heart and respiration rates, immature liver and kidney function, immature immune response, and activity patterns
• Women - Are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition, lack of education, heavy workloads, poor working conditions, early marriage, and frequent pregnancies
• The elderly - lower immune function, prone to respiratory illness
• The disabled - Many suffer psychiatric conditions and drug or alcohol addictions which lead to malnutrition and decreased immune function.
• Indigenous people - Often occupy inadequate dwellings characterized by overcrowding, inadequate heating, and poor ventilation – risks for respiratory disease. Suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, accidents, violence, and suicide. Often affected by ecosystem changes.

Question 2

Lowered fertility rates around the world

Answer 2

While total population has continued to increase, in almost all developed countries, fertility rates (live births per woman) have been decreasing.
Lowered fertility rate is due to many factors, such as birth deferment, literacy, industrialization, more divorces, and single parenthood, and increased infertility.

Question 3

Role of migration in populations of developed countries

Answer 3

The population in developed regions would be in decline was it not for projected migration from developing to developed areas.

Question 4

Aging populations

Answer 4

Because of declining fertility and increasing longevity, the populations of a growing number of countries are aging rapidly.

Between 2005 and 2050, half of the increase in the world population will be accounted for by a rise in the population >60, while the number of children (<15) will decline. In the developed areas, the population >60 will almost double, while those <60 will decline.

This shift will place economic burdens in many countries, as fewer younger workers will be available to run the economy and support an increasing elderly population.

Question 5

Human pressure on the environment

Answer 5

• Human pressure on the environment is a product of three factors:
  
  • Population
  • Consumption per person
  • Technology

Question 6

Malthusian crisis approach

Answer 6

Pressures of resource demands and pollution loads build up and approach a crisis level. Unless drastic action is taken, catastrophe ensues: economic collapse, rise in death rates, drop in population, other.

Question 7

Economic adaptation approach

Answer 7

Human populations adapt to the problems that their development produces, for the most part smoothly and without grave setbacks. Populations gain increased productivity, efficiency, and improved human welfare. Population growth is an asset – more brainpower to provide problem-solving.