Predicting Human Population Change

Predicting Human Population Change

Part Three: Environmental Impact

To do this activity, you will need the following information from the previous day:

Now, make a bar graph (on a separate sheet of graph paper) showing the projected population growth by 2035.

Make sure the graph has,

-a title: Projected Population Growth by 2035

-a key (one color per country)

-The three country names, evenly spaced along the x axis

-The projected population growth (in millions, tens of millions, whichever intervals best suit your data) along the y axis

Use the website to find the CO2 emissions per capita (this means the metric tons (1,000 kg) of CO2 produced per person and is one way to measure how much each person contributes to climate change)

Now, use the current CO2 emissions per capita to predict the additional climate changing pollution for each country using the following formula:

(projected population growth X CO2emissions per capita = additional CO2 emissions for 2035)

Now, make a bar graph(on a separate sheet of graph paper) showing the extra CO2 emissions in 2035 (Please note that this in only a measure of the extra CO2 expected to be emitted in the single year of 2035 when compared to the CO2 emitted in the year 2015)

Make sure the graph has,

-a title: Additional CO2 emissions in 2035 (compared to 2015 emissions)

-a key (one color per country)

-The three country names, evenly spaced along the x axis(Make sure your countries are listed in the same order as they are on your projected population growth graph)

-The metric tons of CO2 emissions (in intervals that best suit your data) along the y axis

• Compare and contrast your graphs for population growth by 2035 and additional CO2 in 2035. What do you notice? What might explain any differences between the graphs?

Then, answer the following questions:

• Which country is expected toadd the most additional CO2 in 2035? How much?

• Is this country the same country that’s adding the most people (highest projected population growth)? Explain why or why not.

Reflection

Reflect on the entire data collection/analysis activity (parts 1-3):

• Consider the data you collected for age structure, projected population growth, projected population density, and additional CO2. Do you think your projections are accurate? In other words, do you think conditions in these countries will continue at the current rates? What factors might maintain or change current rates? Explain your answer with specific data.

• What kinds of problems could come about if your countries’ populations change according to your predictions? Do you think these problems will occur in the future? Explain why or why not.

• What do you think should be done to avoid or solve future problems caused by increasing populations? Is the solution you suggest practical (realistically possible)? Explain your answer.

• Some scientists have said that there is no greater threat to the environment than the threat of overpopulation. Do you agree or disagree? Explain why or why not using specific data gathered during this activity.