Many biologists consider the exponential human population growth occurring over the past couple of centuries is considered to be the root cause of most environmental, health, and socio-economic problems. The issues are complex, however, and solutions are elusive. Your task is to research human population growth and its impacts on the environment and societies. Write a 3-5 page summary paper following the outline below.
I. History of human population growth
a. What is the current population of humans on earth? What is the current growth rate globally?
b. Describe the various events in human history that influenced significant changes in human population
growth rates.
c. Include a graph or timeline of historical population growth (include the source).
II. Discuss differences in regional population growth rates (i.e., North America, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, etc.). What are some factors influences these differences in growth?
III. What are some important impacts of human population growth on:
a. availability of resources?
b. natural habitats and biodiversity?
c. economic systems?
d. socio-political systems?
e. human health & quality of life?
IV. Given that unchecked population growth is considered by many to be a root cause of our environmental, social, and economic problems … what strategy or strategies would you propose for curbing population growth rates and perhaps stabilizing the population globally? What are some obstacles to implementing this strategy?
V. Discuss how population growth (and the associated environmental impacts) affects women disproportionately on a global scale. Discuss how women’s issues are related to population and environmental issues.
VI. What are the pros and cons of stabilizing (or decreasing) the global human population?

Category: Essays