This is part of the Human Population Lab. Follow the guidelines for discussions found in the Course Documents section. Discuss the following with your classmates:
1. Many scientists including sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson of Harvard think the Earth has a carrying capacity of 9 to 10 billion people. Two hundred years ago, Malthus argued that food was a limiting factor. Look up the Green Revolution. Do you think food is still a limiting factor. Do you think there are ways humanity can change our diets, find more ways to improve crop yield, etc. to feed more people?
2. In addition to food, what do you think are some other natural resources that may contribute to the Earth’s carrying capacity? Be sure to support your answer with citations. Review “Factors Limiting Population Growth” in Chapter 2 of your text.
3. According to the United Nations Population Division, the world population could reach 9 billion by 2050 and 10 billion by 2100. How do you think the birth and death rates described by the Demographic Transition Model could slow or increase global growth. Are there any other factors that you think could change the rate of global population growth. Be sure to cite your sources.
4. Do you have any other thoughts on human population growth that were not addressed by the preceding questions.