Linking Science and Technology to Society's Environmental Goals (1996) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Improve Understanding of the Relationship Between Population and Consumption as a Means to Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Population Growth
Improve Understanding of the Relationship Between Population and Consumption as a Means to Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Population Growth
Pages 81-86
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 81... ...
The reasons for giving the highest priority to reducing population growth are ethical, practical, and scientific. Many of the countries that are experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing consumption of goods aspire to a pattern of consumption like that of the United States and have government policies that encourage economic growth.
|
From page 82... ...
If the resources of a country are needed to address the consequences of a rapidly growing population -- such as depletion of potable water supplies, epidemics of infectious diseases related to increased population density, and increased need for fuel and nutrients -- the environmental consequences of this growth cannot be adequately addressed. The United States and all other countries have much to gain from efforts to stabilize global population and to improve living standards in developing countries, where 90% of the projected population growth will occur.
|
From page 83... ...
Of course, massive technology transfer to developing countries is the key. -- Forum Participant Comment
|
From page 84... ...
Economies of most developing countries are based on natural resources, which constitute their primary economic capital. Their long-term economic development depends on maintaining, if not increasing, such activities as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining -- for both domestic use and export -- as well as ecotourism.
|
From page 85... ...
Conclusion The current and potential future threats to environmental quality, of which there are many, are the results of the character and magnitude of today's economic activity and human population growth. As the experience of the United States, other industrialized nations, and developing countries indicates, birth rates and economic development are closely linked.
|
From page 86... ...
This research should incorporate human biology, human behavior, epidemiology, and ecology to yield a better understanding of all aspects of the population-environment interface. Research should be conducted on the possible negative consequences of technology when introduced into a population, e.g., the possible adverse impacts of the use of artificial baby formula in developing countries.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.