Terms

Worldwide Population & Population Growth

Worldwide population and worldwide population growth are important because it's a key driver of the global economy

Worldwide Population History

  • estimated worldwide population of 5 million people in 8,000 BC
  • slow increase as people expanded throughout the globe
  • agricultural age was required to grow, but we experienced the Malthusian Trap
  • urbanization thanks to energy technologies such as oil and electricity helped us escape the trap
  • results in massive urbanization and population growth
  • world population and wealth surged from 1880
    • child mortality dropped from 44% to 5%!
    • life expectancy increased dramatically


Future Population Growth

  • Urbanization has resulted in lower birth rates
  • Technology (biotech) that extends lifespans will be needed to increase population