Comparing countries on the basis of Population Growth

Neo Malthusian Population Theory

Economist: Thomas Malthus. Believed in the possibility of social progress and the prospect of utopia. But the future under threat by extensive population growth. Saw the situation as divinely imposed to encourage good behaviour. Essentials: Predicts an apocalyptic forced return to subsistence level conditions in food production. Man needs food to survive and also enjoys procreation. Population increases geometrically but food production only arithmetically. Thus, demand for agricultural production will necessarily outstrip production at some point. Resources will be depleted in an unsustainable manner. Contemporary significance: However, both counts are now in question. Firstly, mans ability to use science and technology to innovate questions that agricultural production can only increase in an arithmetic manner. Secondly, fertility (in developed countries) has dropped perhaps population will naturally diminish its growth rate or even plateau. NB emerging nations still place tremendous pressure on food production in the short term. Very relevant in discussions of oil reserves although slightly different because the amount of oil on the planet cannot increase in the same way food can.

Cornucopian Population Theory

Not all Cornucopians believe, as Simon did, that there's no practical limit to growth, but in general they feel that the limit is not in sight. Here are some of their arguments: Food production is still growing, and prices are falling. According to Rose, research and science will enable us to feed more billions. We have the ingenuity -- if not the funding. Malnutrition and starvation reflect political incompetence or war, not problems with the food supply. Material prices are dropping, indicating ever-increasing supply. Technology -- think of the information revolution -- continually allows us to do more with less.

Cornucopian versus New Malthusian Perspectives

Country Comparisons

UK The Ageing Population

In the UK, as people live longer, the population is getting older. This rising proportion of older people is a consequence of success - improved nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, education and economic well-being

China One Child Families

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the government advocated a "later, longer, fewer" lifestyle, encouraging people to marry later, have wide gaps between children and fewer children overall It also instated the controversial one-child policy Chinese women are having fewer children, but having a smaller generation follow a boom generation - and longer life expectancies - means that by 2050, it is expected that for every 100 people aged 20-64, there will be 45 people aged over 65, compared with about 15 today.

Jordon Chronic Water Shortage

In Jordan, as more people demand water, it is becoming increasingly scarce. This chronic shortage has caused prices to double over the last year.

For families who gain their income from selling crops, it is difficult to irrigate their fields well due to limited supply of water

India Can India feed its people?

In India, as land is split between families and the cost of farming increases. Seeds, fertilizers are becoming expensive and there isnt much water in the fields Productivity of land decreases, and more money is needed to invest in land than is gained from crops

With every successive generation the size of farm are becoming smaller and lucrative land is being handed over for commercial use.

Addressing Population Growth

Increases in outreach programs, sex education, access to contraception, and planned abortion can all help towards preventing unwanted births

It is an alarming trend that population rates tend to be highest in underdeveloped countries. Even in developed countries, poorer neighborhoods tend to have higher rates of unwanted pregnancy and births. The direct correlation between education, access to contraception and womens empowerment therefore makes a powerful case for preventing unwanted pregnancies.