Managing Human Population Change (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Managing Human Population Change
Population management involves intentional actions taken by governments and societies to influence the size, structure, and distribution of their populations
Reasons for population management include:
Ensuring economic stability by balancing labour supply and demand
Efficient allocation of resources to support sustainable development
Addressing demographic challenges like overpopulation or underpopulation
Enhancing overall well-being and the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities
Population Increase
The world's population is increasing by approximately 80 million people a year
In 1804 the world population was 1 billion
Population growth at this point was steady and low
It took just over 100 years for the population to double to 2 billion
The rate of increase after 1930 was then more rapid and led to a population explosion
The fastest increase in population happened during the 1980s and 1990s
Population growth rate is the average annual change of the population size during a set period of time, usually a year
The population is still increasing but at a slower rate
In 1970 the growth rate was 2%
In 2022 the growth rate was under 1%
It is predicted by the UN that the population will stabilise at around 11 billion in 2100
Some strategies for managing a changing population include:
Improved availability of contraception
Improved education about contraception
Improved education and opportunities for women
Improved health care
Local, national and global policies (e.g. pronatalist and antinatalist policies)
Improved Availability of Contraception
Increased access:
Establishing comprehensive programs to make contraceptives widely accessible
Ensuring availability in both rural and urban areas
Reduced birth rates:
Empowering individuals to make informed choices about family size (promotes family planning)
Limiting unintended pregnancies, leading to controlled and intentional birth rates
Limitations:
Cultural or religious opposition may hinder widespread acceptance of contraception use
Improved Education about Contraception
Awareness campaigns:
Conducting educational campaigns to inform communities about diverse contraceptive methods and how they can be used most effectively
Addressing myths and misconceptions related to contraception
Family planning education:
Promoting understanding of the significance of family planning for individual and community well-being.
Integrating family planning education into school curricula and community programs.
Destigmatisation:
Education about contraception can help to foster open conversations to reduce societal stigma surrounding contraception
Limitations:
In some countries or areas, cultural and social norms may still create barriers despite awareness
Improved Education & Opportunities for Women
Education = empowerment:
Providing educational opportunities for women to enhance their decision-making capacity
Encouraging women to pursue education beyond traditional roles
Economic opportunities:
Creating policies that promote equal economic opportunities for women
Supporting women in balancing career and family responsibilities
For example, the improvement of women's education and job opportunities in Japan has contributed to delayed marriages and childbirth
Empowering women's choices:
Offering programs that support women in making informed decisions about family planning
Addressing cultural norms that may limit women's choices
Limitations:
Societal expectations and cultural norms may still influence decisions
Improved Health Care
Maternal and child health:
Enhancing healthcare services with a specific focus on maternal and child health
Ensuring accessible and quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth
Access to healthcare:
Implementing policies to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all
Preventive measures:
Implementing healthcare strategies that improve overall health and reduce mortality rates
Encouraging regular check-ups and other preventive healthcare measures
Limitations:
Some countries may experience resource constraints that make the implementation of comprehensive healthcare services difficult
Local, National, & Global Policies
Pronatalist Policies
Introducing incentives like family bonuses and tax benefits to encourage higher birth rates
Supporting programs that promote larger families and recognise them as contributors to economic growth
Benefits include:
Encourages population growth, ensuring a sufficient workforce
Boosts economic productivity through increased consumer spending
Limitations include:
May strain resources and infrastructure with a rapidly growing population
Potential challenges in maintaining a balance between population growth and sustainability
Antinatalist Policies
Implementing measures, such as family planning programs and population control initiatives, to discourage high birth rates
Benefits include:
Addresses overpopulation concerns, ensuring sustainable resource use
May contribute to improved quality of life with a more manageable population size.
Limitations include:
Ethical concerns related to individual freedoms and reproductive rights
Potential negative impact on the labour force and economic productivity
Example: China's one-child policy, though successful in curbing population growth, faced criticism for violating individual freedoms. In addition, Thailand's antinatalist policies, while contributing to lower birth rates, have raised ethical concerns
United Nations (UN) Agenda 21
A global action plan adopted in 1992 to promote sustainable development
Emphasises environmental protection, social equity, and economic development
The Club of Rome
An organisation advocating for sustainable development, including comprehensive approaches to population challenges
For example, the "Limits to Growth" report produced by the Club of Rome in 1972 highlights the environmental constraints of unchecked population growth
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