Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2015

Last exams 2025

Human Population Growth Curve (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)): Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Human Population Growth Curve

  • Population change rates vary with time

  • The global human population grew very slowly until 18th century

    • From 10,000 BCE to 1700 CE the average growth rate was just 0.04% per year

  • There has been exponential growth in the global human population since the mid 18th century

    • The global human population reached 8 billion in November 2022

  • Despite the growth rate falling, the world population is projected to continue to grow until approximately 2100 when it could reach more than 11 billion

world-population-total-and-growth

World population total and growth rate, 1750-2015 (with projections until 2100)

  • Population change rates also vary over space

  • Countries that went through Industrial Revolutions in the 18th and 19th centuries experienced rapid population growth

    • Today those countries are developed and their growth rates have fallen

    • In some cases, they have fallen so much that their total populations are in decline (e.g. Japan)

  • The fastest population growth today occurs in developing countries that are rapidly industrialising

global-pattern-of-population-growth

Global pattern of population growth rate (2021)

Increased Stress on Earth Systems

  • As the human population grows, there is an increased demand for natural resources such as food, water, and energy, putting stress on ecosystems and depleting these resources

  • The expansion of urban areas and infrastructure to accommodate the growing population leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning

  • Increased consumption patterns and production of goods result in higher levels of waste generation and pollution, further straining environmental systems and contributing to climate change

  • Growing population density in certain regions leads to increased pressure on land and can lead to issues such as deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of agricultural productivity

  • The demand for freshwater increases with population growth, leading to overexploitation of water sources, depletion of aquifers, and potential water scarcity in some regions

  • The increase in human activities, such as industrialisation and transportation, contributes to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental degradation

  • The need for more housing, infrastructure, and agricultural land often leads to encroachment on natural habitats, resulting in the displacement and extinction of wildlife species

  • The cumulative impact of human population growth on Earth's systems has implications for the long-term sustainability of resources, the resilience of ecosystems, and the overall health and well-being of both humans and the planet

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Environmental Systems and Societies & Biology Content Creator

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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