The world population is presently standing at more than six billion people and increases by three people per second, which is the equivalent of a quarter of a million people every day. South Africa 's population is estimated at 12 million people.
For human progress, human equality and for sustainable living, all societies need a balance between natural resources and population. One may ask how can this be achieved when the United Nations has estimated that by the year 2025 the population will have risen to 8,5 billion people. It is evident that the more people there are, the greater the impact and demand on Earth's resources. However, the human impact on Earth is not only determined by the number of people. The amount of energy consumed the way Earth's finite resources are utilised, and the amount of waste generated by each person all makes a global impact.
An interesting observation is that the 42 countries that use the most energy per person have one quarter of the world's population and are responsible for four-fifths of commercial energy use. The 128 countries that use the least amount of energy per person, contain three quarters of the world's population but only use one-fifth of its commercial energy consumption.
Can solutions such as controlling the birth rate through a stipulated number of children per family, or improving health, education, housing and employment opportunities lead to a ‘controlled' population that can live sustainably on Earth?
Key question: What are the links between poverty and high population numbers?
Suggested Activities:
- Find the current population pyramid for Zambia , and calculate the percentage of the population a) over 60 years, b) under 5 years old, c) In the age group 30 – 45 years old.
- Compare with the pyramid in 1980. Explain the differences.
- Take an area of land in your community and do a mini assessment of the carrying capacity of humans.