6.1.1

Reasons for Growth & Decline

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Global Population Growth

The world’s population has increased exponentially from 1 billion people in 1804 to over 7 billion people today.

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Natural increase

  • Natural increase is the birth rate minus the death rate.
  • Developing countries have higher rates of natural increase.
  • Developed countries have very low rates of natural increase and may move to natural decrease soon.
  • Africa has the highest rate of natural increase of all the continents.
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Birth rate

  • Birth rate is the number of live babies born per 1,000 per year.
  • There are large numbers of women of childbearing age, so even though the number of births per woman (fertility rate) is generally falling, the population continues to grow.
    • This is called demographic momentum.
  • Birth rates are still high in less developed countries so the population increases rapidly in these locations.
  • Natural increase is particularly true in areas of strong religious beliefs because of beliefs about contraceptives.
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Death rates

  • Death rates have dropped in the last couple of centuries.
  • Death rate is the number of people who die per 1,000 people per year.
  • Modern medicine has reduced the effect of illness on humans.
    • Vaccines, antibiotics, antivirals can be used to keep people alive now. This means that people live longer.
    • More babies survive as antenatal care has improved.
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Infant mortality rate

  • The infant mortality rate has dropped in the last couple of centuries.
  • The infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die within their first year of life per 1,000 per year.
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Carrying capacity

  • The carrying capacity is the largest number of people that the resources of the planet/a given area can support.
    • The carrying capacity of the world has increased with technological advances in food production and resource development.
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Impacts of population growth

  • A growing population creates more waste, which can cause pollution and health risks.
  • Governments must spend more on healthcare, housing, and education to meet rising demand.
  • Rapid growth can put pressure on jobs, food, and water supplies, leading to shortages.
  • A larger workforce can also mean more tax revenue, which may support economic growth.
  • If growth is too fast, it can reduce living standards and increase inequality.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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