copyright © allyn & bacon 2010 population, global inequality, and the environmental crisis this...

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Chapter 15Population, Global Inequality, and the Environmental Crisis

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Chapter outline• Fertility• Mortality• Migration• Theories on growth

Population Growth

• World Hunger• Controlling Fertility• ImmigrationProblems• Environmental Degradation• Air Pollution and Greenhouse Effect• Water, soil, and forests• Solid, toxic, and nuclear waste

Population and Environment

•Functionalist•Conflict•Interactionist

Perspectives


OverpopulationThe world’s population:Is 6.72 billionWas 2.5 billion in 1950Has doubled in the last 50 yearsWill double again in the next 50 years, if trends

continue

Concern: Can the earth’s resources support this growth?


Population GrowthGrowth rates vary among nations

High-income nations (i.e. US) have lower growth rates

Low-income nations (i.e. Africa) have higher growth rates

Population All people living in a specified region

Demography Study of size, composition, and distribution of

populations


Factors affecting growthFertility

Actual number of children born to an individual or population

Associated with social and biological factors

MortalityNumber of deaths in a specific populationInfant mortality (death of infants under age 1)Life expectancy (average lifetime of a person)

MigrationMovement of people from one geographic area to

another to live


Impact of Population GrowthPopulation growth affects the biological and

social characteristics of a populationAge, sex, raceMarital statusEducation, occupation, incomeSize of household

Example: In the U.S., age distribution of population affects the need for schools, employment opportunities, health care, and age-appropriate housing.


Perspectives on GrowthMalthusian Perspective (1798)Global population will exceed the available food

supplyPopulation expands geometrically (1,2,4,8,16...)

while food supply increases arithmetically (1,2,3,4,5...)

Disaster can be averted by:Positive checks (e.g., famine, disease, war)Preventive checks (e.g, sexual abstinence,

delayed marriage)


Perspectives on Growth, cont.Neo-Malthusian PerspectiveThe earth is a ticking time bomb because

population exacerbates environmental problems

Need to reduce our world population growth

Demographic Transition TheorySocieties move from high birth and death rates

to low birth and death rates as a result of technological development

Technology can help overcome problems predicted by previous 2 theories.


World HungerProposals to avert global food shortages:

Green revolution Dramatic increases in agricultural production

through growing of high yield “miracle” crops This has been helpful in some areas but not in all

areas

Biotechnological revolution “Improving” plants or animals or using

microorganisms in innovative ways This has also helped but is not without problems.


Controlling FertilityResearchers believe limiting fertility is best

way to control overpopulation.

Government focuses on family planning measures.

Zero Population Growth: totally stable population from year to year.U.S. approaching zero population growth


ImmigrationProportion of immigrants in the U.S. population is

the highest since 1940

In 2006, 12% of total population were from other nations

Immigration leads to higher taxes but also brings substantial economic benefits

US population policies focus on immigration – particularly illegal immigrants


Population and the EnvironmentEnvironmental Degradation

Disruptions to the environment that have negative consequences for ecosystems

CausesAs humans pursue economic development and

growth, they cause environmental degradationRemoving natural resources and increasing

pollution


Air PollutionAcid Rain

Rainfall with large concentrations of sulfuric acid and nitric acids

Greenhouse EffectEnvironmental condition caused by excessive

carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere leading to global warming

Causes Fossil fuel pollution, mostly from vehicles but also from

industry

Hole the size of North America in ozone layer, steps being take to reduce this problem.


Water, Soil, and Forest ProblemsWater scarcity is increasing on a global basis

Water pollution further diminishes the supply

A major water polluter in the U.S. is the paper-manufacturing industry

15 million acres of forest are lost to desertification Usable land turned into desert due to:

Overgrazing Harmful agricultural practices Deforestation (greatest in middle- and low-income

nations)


Solid, Toxic, and Nuclear WasteHigh-income nations are running out of space

for solid waste produced by “disposable societies”236 million tons of solid waste created each yearTypical North American creates 1,500 lbs solid waste per

year

Toxic waste from hazardous by-products of industry causes death and disease if not disposed of properlyLove Canal (1970’s New York)

Nuclear waste most dangerous of all toxic wastes and remain deadly for prolonged period.


Sociological PerspectivesTechnological Innovation serves important

functions

Latent dysfunctions of technology cause problems, but new technologies can solve them

Solutions to overpopulation and environmental degradation lie in social institutions.Especially education and government


Sociological Perspectives, cont.Conflict:Classic Marxist

If poverty were alleviated, there would be enough food for all

Poverty exists because capitalists skim workers’ wages for profit

Contemporary conflictCorporations and government make economic

decisions that result in environmental problems


ConflictEco-feminism:

Patriarchy is a root cause of environmental problems as nature is viewed as something to be possessed and dominated

Environmental Justice Framework:Environmental racism: disproportionate

amount of hazardous facilities placed in areas populated by minorities.


Sociological Perspectives

Interactionist:

Through socialization, children learn core values that are often detrimental to the environment

However, there is some indication that concern for the environment is becoming a core value in the U.S.

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