Population Growth Objective: Students will be able to analyze ✓ Solved

Students will be able to analyze and interpret data in order to determine human population growth, highlighting stability and change over time.

Video: 7 Billion and Counting: Answer the following questions:

  1. How many people are born and how many people die in every second?

  2. A megacity is---?

  3. What were the 3 megacities in 1975?

  4. How many are there presently?

  5. What was the life expectancy of a human in 2010? How does that compare to 1960?

  6. It’s not space we need, it’s _________. What does this statement mean to you?

  7. What is the graph depicting? What is the time frame for this graph?

  8. Why do you think part of the graph is red and part is blue?

  9. Identify 3 potential factors that may have influenced population growth in the 1960s.

  10. Why do you think the human population stayed the same from 2,000 to 5 billion years ago?

  11. What types of changes/developments (choose at least 3) do you think helped increase human population over the last 2,000 years?

  12. Use the graph to complete the following conclusion about populations: As humans _________, the world population __________.

Paper For Above Instructions

Population growth is a complex phenomenon shaped by various factors including birth and death rates, urbanization, and advancements in healthcare. Over the last few centuries, the human population has experienced significant changes, showing a marked increase in numbers, particularly in megacities. This paper will analyze key data from the video "7 Billion and Counting" and address the posed questions regarding human population dynamics.

Birth and Death Rates

According to the latest statistics, approximately 4.3 people are born and 1.8 people die every second worldwide (World Bank, 2021). This data highlights the natural population growth occurring globally, which is influenced by a variety of demographic factors.

Defining Megacities

A megacity is defined as a metropolitan area with a total population of over 10 million people. These urban areas play a vital role in global demographics, serving as hubs for economic activity and cultural exchange (United Nations, 2020). In 1975, the three megacities were Tokyo, New York City, and Mexico City (UN-Habitat, 2016). Currently, there are over 35 megacities around the globe, with cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai topping the list (United Nations, 2022).

Life Expectancy Trends

The life expectancy of a human in 2010 was approximately 71 years, a considerable increase from just around 52 years in 1960 (World Health Organization, 2019). This increase can be attributed to advancements in medicine, public health initiatives, and improvements in living standards.

Understanding Urban Space

The statement "It’s not space we need, it’s _________" can be interpreted as a need for resources rather than just physical space for human habitation. This assertion highlights the importance of sustainable practices in urban planning, where resources like food, water, and energy are critical for supporting large populations (Harari, 2015).

Population Growth Graph Analysis

The graph in the video depicts global population changes over time, specifically emphasizing the rapid growth observed during the 20th century. The time frame likely spans from 1950 to 2010, illustrating a significant increase in population. The red portion of the graph may represent unsustainable growth, while the blue part could signify periods of stability (Population Reference Bureau, 2021).

Factors Influencing Population Growth in the 1960s

Three potential factors influencing population growth during the 1960s include advancements in public health, which reduced mortality rates; the agricultural revolution, which increased food production; and urban migration, leading to concentrated populations in cities (Bongaarts, 2016). These developments collectively contributed to a significant rise in global population figures.

Population Stability and Change

The human population remained stable at around 2 billion for thousands of years before reaching 5 billion about 200 years ago due to limited technology and resources. However, significant changes such as industrialization, modern medicine, and improved sanitation contributed to exponential population growth in the last 200 years (Ehrlich, 2013).

Factors Contributing to Population Increase Over the Last 2,000 Years

Several key factors have contributed to the substantial increase in human population over the past 2,000 years. These include:

  • Advancements in Medicine: The development of vaccines and antibiotics has drastically reduced mortality rates from infectious diseases (CDC, 2021).

  • Agricultural Improvements: Technological innovations in agriculture have led to increased food security and reduced famine occurrences (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2018).

  • Improved Sanitation: Enhanced sanitation and water purification systems have led to lower disease rates and improved public health (UNICEF, 2020).

Conclusion on Population Dynamics

Using the graph, we can conclude that as humans innovate and adapt, the world population increases. This relationship between human development and population growth underscores the importance of addressing sustainability to manage future population challenges.

References

  • Bongaarts, J. (2016). The unfinished agenda: Background paper for the 2016 World Population Day.

  • CDC. (2021). The Importance of Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Ehrlich, P. R. (2013). The Population Bomb: 40th Anniversary Edition. Sierra Club Books.

  • Food and Agriculture Organization. (2018). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2018. FAO.

  • Harari, Y. N. (2015). Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Harper.

  • Population Reference Bureau. (2021). World Population Data Sheet. PRB.

  • UN-Habitat. (2016). World Cities Report 2016. UN-Habitat.

  • United Nations. (2020). World Urbanization Prospects.

  • United Nations. (2022). The World’s Cities in 2022. UN.

  • UNICEF. (2020). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: An Overview. UNICEF.

  • World Bank. (2021). Global Population Growth: History and Trends.

  • World Health Organization. (2019). World Health Statistics 2019.