The Environmental Implications of Population Dynamics
Abstract
The Earth's population doubled between 1960 and 1999, increasing from three billion to six billion people. During that period, human-induced changes in the global environment accelerated in unprecedented fashion. Given continued population growth and environmental degradation, it has become paramount that we deepen our understanding of the role played by human population dynamics in environmental change. Drawing from the scientific literature, this report presents a synthesis of what is known about the role played by human population factors in environmental change. Specifically, the report discusses the following: * The relationship between population factors-size, distribution, and composition-and environmental change. The primary forces that mediate this relationship: technology, the institutional and policy contexts, and cultural factors. * Two specific aspects of environmental change that are affected by population dynamics: climate change and land-use change. Implications for policy and further research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387276
Entities
People
- Lori M. Hunter
Organizations
- RAND Corporation