1. “Climate Change,” of your textbook discusses reputable scientific studies that show that the Earth is warming at an unsustainable rate because of a rise in the release of CO2 and methane gases.
What is the relationship between population increases and climate change? Do you think fertility control is an effective strategy to halt climate change? Why or why not?
2. “Energy,” in your textbook explains why the world is in the midst of an energy crisis as it concerns the rapid use and depletion of nonrenewable natural resources. According to the textbook, “Many experts predict that the largest increase in demand for oil in the coming years will come from increasingly industrialized economies with large populations” (p. 140).
Can this crisis be offset by measures taken in developed nations to address the energy-climate crisis? Why or why not? What potential strategies could be used to reduce the demand for energy in industrialized economies with large populations?
3. “Wealth and Poverty,” in your textbook discusses the Millennium Development Goals, which were created to provide developing countries support through the partnership of developed countries. The first goal is to “eradicate extreme poverty and hunger” in the world.
According to the textbook, population is still increasing in the world’s poorest regions. Take a look at The Millennium Development Goals Report [PDF].
The report notes that progress in reducing extreme hunger is uneven across regions of the world. Looking at the graph on page 21 of the report, which regions have the least reduction in extreme hunger? Which regions have the greatest reduction in extreme hunger? What factors contribute to this uneven progress? What are some possible strategies for creating more progress in these regions of the world?
4.”Food,” in your textbook illustrates that there is enough food produced and available to feed the entire world every day. However, for various reasons, millions still go hungry, making food security—having consistent access to adequate nutritional food—a persistent global social problem in both developing and developed countries.
Where do most of the world’s hungry live?
What are two causes of hunger and two problems that result?
What are some potential consequences and benefits of using biotechnologies in developing countries? Based on the research currently available, should developing countries pursue the use of biotechnologies? Why or why not?
