Currently, the Earth needs 1.5 years to regenerate the resources we use in a year. By 2030 it is estimated that we will need the equivalent of two planets to meet our annual needs.


If we are to stop this rapid destruction of the planet’s ecosystems, then the lifestyles of people in the North (i.e. the developed world) need to become simpler. More informed lifestyle choices need to be made, such as buying food locally, reducing the amount of travel and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.


If we compare the Earth’s resources with a yearly wage, then we have spent our entire year’s wages by September of each year.


ACTIVE LEARNING


Visit www.foe.ie and click ‘carbon calculator’ to calculate your family’s carbon footprint.


2.7 Population and Development Rates Developed


In general, it is accepted that as a country’s economy improves, the average family size decreases. The Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries caused economic development throughout Europe and provided a market for new products such as textiles. This industry, along with increasing population led to rural–urban migration as people moved to cities and towns in search of work. Tax revenue from the working populations allowed for continued development of sanitary systems, health and education, which increased life expectancy and lowered birth rates. As a result, the US and European countries moved through the Demographic Transitional Model faster and earlier than other countries and are today characterised by low levels of population growth, ageing populations, industrialised economies and high gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, most of their populations are stationary or declining. Some countries are experiencing underpopulation and labour shortages. Inward migration from the South (i.e. developing world) is now necessary to sustain the standards of living in these countries.


10


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


0 1950 1970 1990


Least developed countries


Less


developed countries


More developed countries 2010


2030


2050


( Fig. 2.29 Population growth according to development


OVERPOPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT 61


Elective 5: Human CHAPTER 2


Population (billions)


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