Limited Human Population Growth, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper examines the historic factors that have limited global human population growth.  Consideration is given to how these challenges have been met and potential threats in the future.

Warfare

Humans are a relatively aggressive species and this has resulted in numerous historic wars including two global wars.  The causes of this being politics, conquest, expansion of territories, religion etc.  Historically in the 20^th century alone it accounted for tens of millions of deaths and reduced the human population.

Famine

The lack of food, together with droughts has had a severe impact throughout the world. The main impact in the developing world like Ethiopia, Sudan,  Pakistan and parts of Asia. This has accounted for millions of deaths particularly in the overpopulated parts of Africa.

Disease

Pandemics have historically reduced populations.  The Black Death in the Middle Ages, The Spanish Flu and more recently strains of Bird Flu.  Other sustaining diseases like that of HIV/AIDS and Malaria have continued to take a toll on human lives and have an impact on population growth. (Ehrlich)

Future Threats

In the future we may face a combination of threats from environmental changes due to global warming and climate change.  This could create droughts, crop failure, world food shortages, increased disease e.g. movement of malaria into more populated areas and potential wars that might result in a scramble for limited food and resources.

Increased regional conflicts, similar to that raging in Syria, will take a huge toll on civilian life and increase the threat to population growth. (Holdren)

Works Cited

Ehrlich, John P. Holdren and Paul R. “Human Population and the Global Environment.” American Scientist Vol 62(3) (1974): 282-292.

Holdren, Paul R. Ehrlich and John P. “Impact of Population Growth.” The Scientist Vol 71 (3977) (1971): 1212-1217.