Abstract: This document published by the Population Reference Bureau provides a summary of some important population and environmental issues in the form of questions and answers and definitions of key population and development terms. The conclusion is reached that progress has been made in developed countries in achieving replacement level fertility and that developing countries are moving in the direction of reduced fertility. Over the next 100 years the issues will be continued world population growth increased energy use resource consumption and environmental stress. Doubling of population is anticipated by 2030 due to the present age structure. The unknown is how large the population will be. The expectation is that developing country populations will comprise 85-87% of world population in 2030. Mineral and fossil fuel consumption is greatest in the developed world which has only 23% of world population. The contamination of the atmosphere from carbon dioxide emissions and the resulting global warming will affect the world. Developed countries have a greater responsibility for addressing environmental problems because of their prosperity and control of financial resources. Developing economies will increase the pressure on natural resources in the future as a result of polluting industries and inappropriate agricultural practices. Government policies in recognizing the interrelatedness of population consumption and environmental problems and in commitment to solving the problems will play an important role in determining how large future population will be. Fertility declines have occurred in a variety of settings. The most inexpensive programs that produce immediate results are organized programs to provide family planning information and services. Successful family planning programs characteristically have been ones that have a strong political commitment to cultural sensitivity and that have conveniently located outreach with a wide variety of contraceptive methods. Home visits from female family planning workers have been particularly successful. Traditional societies require commitment from community leaders or those with a strong influence on peoples attitudes. Equally important efforts must be directed to changing cultural attitudes and to provision of social and economic improvement. Poverty reduction is essential. The status of women and educational and job opportunities are important issues affecting fertility levels.
Publication Year: 1994
Publication Date: 1994-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 15
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