Problem
On a global scale, the human population is growing exponentially. As our population increases, so does our demand for natural resources. Although most developed countries have relatively low fertility rates, they have higher standards of living than developing nations and hence use more resources per person. On the other hand, developing nations use fewer resources per person but they have more people or at least more people than can be supported by the resources within their country.
The highest fertility rates occur in the countries that are least able to accommodate additional people. Further, much of this growth is occurring in areas with the highest biodiversity (hotspots). Numerous studies have shown that human population density and growth is strongly correlated with loss of biodiversity.
To preserve biodiversity, should we work to lower total fertility rates in developing nations and/or lower the consumption rates of resources in developed countries? Justify your opinion.
When responding to two of your classmates' posts, argue your stance and:
1) Discuss how you would institute reductions in total fertility rate and/or reductions in consumption rates;
OR
2) Present and justify an alternative strategy for lowering resource use on a global scale.
Be sure to include full citations for any resources you used to obtain your facts or formulate your opinion for your entries.