Question

Question 1-8: Biologist Garrett Hardin’s “Third Law of Human Ecology" states that the total impact of a population on its environment is determined by the absolute population size multiplied by the impact per person. In what ways does your perception of your impact on the planet as a U.S. resident differ from your perception of the impact of a resident of a developing country? Type your answer here. Question 1-9: In light of your answer to Question 1-8, what do you think would be more effective in minimizing the impacts of humans on the planet: controlling population growth in developing countries (where most growth is in fact occurring) or curbing consumption of resources in developed countries (where the impact per person is highest)? Cite evidence for your answer. Identify the assumptions you used to answer this question. Type your answer here. Question 1-10: Upholding and improving women's rights and interests, including education, reproductive rights, economic security, and health care, have been called the most important actions to control population growth. Explain how this might work. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give evidence for your answer. Type your answer here.

Answer 1

8. Third law of human ecology: Famous biologist Garrett Hardin in 1993, coined the third law of ecolgy which captures the succinity of the green approach to the environmental resource management. This links the human's impact on the environment (I) with that of population (P), affluence (A) and technology (T).
Total human impact on environment (I) = population (P) x affluence (A) x technology (T)
Hence, increase in population especially in developing countries, leads to increase usage of consumption and technological usage results in greater environmental degradation. As the population increases, natural resources become scarce and hence their prices begin to rise which leads to the discovery of a substitute or a better method of production.

9. More effective method in minimizing population in the earth, is by reducing the rate of population. The rate of destruction of ecosystems increases as the rate of growth of the population increases. The population size can be reduced or stabilized by making necessary changes in the total fertility rate as humans now live in short time of horizon with a life time of fity to seventy years.

10. Yes, empowering women is the most effective way to reduce fertility rates and achieve a sustainable population size that respects the limits of Earth's carrying capacity. Women’s rights and reproductive health are vitally important in their own right, as a matter of public health and social justice. They can also help slow population growth and help ensure a sustainable future. Nations can raise women’s status by educating girls, by enforcing laws that prohibit child marriage and by improving women’s access to credit, land, training and jobs. Where women enjoy these fundamental rights, smaller (and healthier) families become the norm.