Population Growth and Movement

A. Introduction

This week’s module covers population growth from several perspectives. We first take a look, on more or less a global basis, at the basics of population growth, current statistics and predictions, and theories on how or whether the availability of natural resources may limit population growth. We next narrow the focus to rural communities to study trend in rural population in North America and the causes and effects of migration from rural Mexican communities. Finally, we examine ethical issues associated with population growth and control.

 

B. Presentations and Readings

1. Population and Natural Resources

Population Growth Basics

Haub, C., Gribble, J., and Jacobsen, L. 2011. World Population Data Sheet (2011). The World Adding another Billion People Every 12 Years, Population Reference Bureau

Solem, M., Klein, P., Muñiz-Solari, O., and Ray, W., eds. 2010. Population & Natural Resources: A Module for the AAG Center for Global Geography Education (you can skip the exercise in slide 4)

 

2. Rural Migration

Rural Trends in US, Mexico, and Canada powerpoint (modified from module 1)

Drivers of Rural Migration in Mexico:

Stay” (video)

Wainer, A., 2011. Development and Migration In Rural Mexico, Bread for the World Institute Briefing Paper 11

Meré , F. 2007. Rural Migration in Mexico: An Overview. 2007 Agricultural Outlook Forum

 

3. Population Growth and Ethics

Rust, D.L. 2010.  The Ethics of Controlling Population Growth in the Developing World. Intersect, 3, 10 pp.

Engelman, R.  Revisiting Population Growth: The Impact of Ecological Limits (online article)

Populationmatters.org The Ethical Implications of Population Growth (online article)

 

C. Assignments

UNISON: Prepare six slides (including one slide with discussion questions) based on Rural Migration materials, to present in class on November 11, 2011

Presentation

Lakehead: Prepare six slides (including one slide with discussion questions) based on Population Growth and Ethics materials, to present in class on November 11, 2011

Presentation

Michigan Tech: Prepare six slides (including one slide with discussion questions) based on Population Growth Basics materials, to present in class on November 11, 2011

Presentation