Human Population

Example of Exponential Growth Phase (J-Shaped Curve)

• Eg. Human Population– Human population increased

relatively slowly until about 1650.– It then doubled in the next two

centuries.– It doubled again in the next 80

years.

– Our population is now over 7 billion.• This increases by 80 million/year• This in an increase of 214,000/day.• It takes 3 years for the world population to add the population

equivalent of another U.S. (which is around 300 million).

Example of Exponential Growth Phase (J-Shaped Curve)

Human Carrying Capacity

• How long will it be until we reach our carrying capacity? What will happen then?

• What factors increase our carrying capacity?– Farming– Medicines– Better sanitation– Resource choice

Resource Choice

• What is the roll of resource choice on human carrying capacity?

• It depends on 3 types of choices:

• 1. renewable resources• 2. Non renewable

resources• 3. Rate of

consumption

Human Carrying Capacity—Resource Choice

Renewable resourcesIncrease carrying capacity

– resources that come from things that can regenerate

eg. Fish, timber, wind

Human Carrying Capacity-Resource Choice

• What factors decrease our carrying capacity?

• Nonrenewable Resources– Resources that are finite

• Eg. Oil, Natural Gas, Coal

• AND….

Human Carrying Capacity-Resource Choice• Rate of Consumption– Over consumption leads to a

decrease in carrying capacity.

Human Carrying Capacity

• What impact does this stretching our carrying capacity have on other species.– Endangers them or

completely wipes them out.

Human Carrying Capacity-Resource Choice• Using the graph explain why exceeding the

global biocapacity per person negatively impacts other species.

Human Carrying Capacity

• What are some consequences of human population growth?– Global Warming • Caused by the

increasing burning of fossil fuels which lead to enhanced greenhouse effect.

– Pollution– Acid Rain– Pile up of Waste

– Ozone Depletion

The End!!