Essay on The Growing Population - 1374 Words

A Growing Population: Problem or Excuse? The current worldwide population is around 6.9 billion and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050 (Baird). This projected population number is down from the once predicted 16 billion (Baird) and while some are not concerned others are worried by any increase in population. Population growth is discussed in the articles â€Å"Too Many People?† by Vanessa Baird; â€Å"Population Control: How Can There Possibly Be Too Many of Us?† by Frank Furedi; and â€Å"The Population Bomb Revisited,† by Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich. Baird and Furedi concur that the concern over population growth has been around since mathematician Thomas Malthus, in 1798, warned that overpopulation could lead to â€Å"the collapse†¦show more content†¦While Furedi and Ehrlich and Ehrlich take different sides on the concern for population growth Baird provides information from UN projections. Baird comments that the world populatio n will continue to grow and that it will begin to â€Å"decline and stabilize.† She believes that this should add â€Å"perspective† to the worry over population growth and points out that one factor in our population growth being â€Å"temporary† is a declining fertility rate (Baird). Ehrlich and Ehrlich also acknowledge a relationship between birth rates and population growth and offer finding ways to reduce the birthrate as one solution to â€Å"the population problem† (68). When discussing population growth the authors offer their perspectives on population control programs (family planning). Ehrlich and Ehrlich stay true to the message of their book when acknowledging the positive role of â€Å"government-sponsored programs in education†, education for women, and programs making contraceptives more accessible (65), in reducing the birth rate. Baird comments on Australian Demographer Peter McDonald pointing out the reason population will no t reach 16 billion is due to the success of family planning. Baird proposes a â€Å"chicken and egg† scenario in which education lowers the fertility rate and a lower fertility rate can equal more education. She explains benefits of a decliningShow MoreRelatedThe Aging Population Is The Fastest Growing Population1574 Words   |  7 PagesThe aging population is the fastest growing population in our nation. By the year 2030, it is estimated that approximately 61 million people will be between the ages 65 -85 and 9 million individuals will be ages 85 and older (Ouchida Lachs, 2015). 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