Think about the relationship between human populations and the planet. What does it mean for the world to be “overpopulated”? List at least two social and/or environmental problems that are associated with overpopulation.
How would Thomas Malthus answer the question: Will saving poor children lead to overpopulation? (for Malthusian theory: see Openstax Chapter 20, section 20.1). What do you think about the Malthusian response, as compared to Rosling’s plea to intervene and help poor families (“Will Saving Poor Children Lead to Overpopulation” video)? Which is more convincing, and why?
Given what we know about population growth, what do you think of China’s policy that limits the number of children a family can have? Do you agree with it? Why, or why not? What other ways might a country of over 1.3 billion people manage its population?
If a society is unable to meet the needs of its members, people may be forced to migrate to a better living situation. Distinguish between the concepts: internally displaced person, migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking individuals.
When people do move in pursuit of better lives, those with more resources have better life chances at surviving. What is the connection between health, migration, climate change and income?
Finally, reflect on one resource shared this week that you found particularly interesting, and share with your classmates what you learned. To help you with this final prompt: Which resource taught you something new? Which resource presented information in a persuasive way? Is there something that you have heard of, but didn’t understand fully until watching a video/reading the chapter? Is there a resource that left a strong impression on you, perhaps inspired you to adopt new behaviors or make a change? What was that resource, and how are you inspired? Share that with your classmates.
