Population

• How and why the Earth’s population is growing so quickly?

  The Earth's population is growing quickly due to high birth rates and declining death rates. Advances in medicine, sanitation, and agriculture have significantly reduced mortality, especially infant mortality, leading to longer life expectancies. At the same time, many regions still have high fertility rates, resulting in more births than deaths. This combination of factors leads to rapid population growth.
• Definitions and calculation (eg: birth rate, death rate, natural increase, life expectancy)

  Birth Rate:

  Definition: Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.

  Calculation: (Live births / Total population) x 1,000

  Death Rate:

  Definition: Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.

  Calculation: (Deaths / Total population) x 1,000

  Natural Increase:

  Definition: Difference between birth rate and death rate.

  Calculation: Birth Rate - Death Rate

  Life Expectancy:

  Definition:Average number of years a person is expected to live.

  Calculation:Estimated from mortality data.
• Describe how population density varies around the world

  Population density varies widely around the world. Some areas, like cities and fertile regions, have high population density with many people living close together. Other areas, such as deserts and mountains , have low population density with few people spread out over large areas. Generally, regions with favourable climates, resources, and economic opportunities attract higher population densities.
• Definitions and calculation (eg: population distribution, density, densely/sparsely populated)

  Population Distribution:

  Definition: How people are spread out across a region or the world.

  Population Density:

  Definition: The number of people living per unit area (e.g., per square kilometre).

  Calculation: Total Population / Land Area

  Densely Populated:

  Definition: An area with a high population density, many people living close together.

  Sparsely Populated:

  Definition: An area with a low population density, few people living spread out.
• Explain why some areas are densely populated and others are sparsely populated.

  Some areas are densely populated because they have good resources, favourable climates, job opportunities, and good living conditions. Examples include cities and fertile regions.

  Other areas are sparsely populated because they have harsh climates, few resources, and limited job opportunities. Examples include deserts, mountains, and remote regions.
• How and why population growth is faster in some countries (LEDCs) than others (MEDCs)

  Population grows faster in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs) because they have higher birth rates from less access to family planning and cultural norms favoring larger families. LEDCs also have lower death rates due to better healthcare. More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) have slower population growth because of lower birth rates from better education, healthcare, and family planning, along with cultural changes favouring smaller families.
• How and why life expectancy is higher in some countries than others

  Life expectancy is higher in some countries because they have better access to healthcare, clean water, and nutrition. Additionally, education levels and income can play a role in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing diseases. In contrast, in countries with limited healthcare resources, poor sanitation, and inadequate nutrition, life expectancy tends to be lower.
• What impact a large population has on the planet

  A large population can strain Earth's resources, leading to increased pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, and depletion of natural resources like water and energy. It can also contribute to overcrowding, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
• Explain why people need to live in a more sustainable way.

  People need to live sustainably to ensure that future generations can meet their needs. Unsustainable living depletes resources, harms the environment, and threatens the well-being of both humans and other species. By living sustainably, we can preserve resources, protect ecosystems, and create a healthier planet for everyone.