How are population trends affecting the global environment?
The world’s population has increased dramatically in the past century. The growth has been primarily related to dramatic increases in life expectancy and reduced infant mortality . But the evidence clearly suggests that as societies become more modern and experience human development, a “fertility transition” occurs. In highly developed societies, people choose to limit family size to about two children. In low developed societies, people tend to produce large families. In 1990, 50% of the world’s population were living in low developed societies and the birth rate was high. By 2005, only 5% of the world’s population were living in such societies. In many countries, there is even concern that a low fertility rate coupled with an aging population will severely curtail economic growth. The environmental consequences of maintaining the world’s high population level are significant. In terms of providing the basic necessities of life, the evidence suggests that the present high level of gl
