Population Growth Since the Industrial Revolution, the growth rate of Earth's human population has increased dramatically. It took mankind until the 1800s to reach one billion, but only 120 years after that to reach two billion, and less than 40 years after that to reach three billion. We continue to increase our numbers, currently measuring in at 7.5 billion in 2018. Some express a great deal of concern about this trend, arguing that the increasing population uses more resources than the planet can provide and encourages harmful practices such as deforestation and industrial pollution. Others say that while our population is at higher numbers than ever before and the subsequent problems are very real, the issues are caused less by the actual number of people and more by the unequal distribution of resources.

Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each suggests a particular way of thinking about human population growth.

Perspective One

Overpopulation is one of the most serious environmental issues humans face. Our increasing numbers are causing myriad problems from loss of fresh water to extinction of species to lowered life expectancy in developing countries.

Perspective Two

The number of people on earth is not a problem. We only have 7 billion, while scientists predict our planet can support up to 10 billion. The real problem is the unequal distribution of resources. A more equitable use of water, land, food, and fuel would eliminate many of the problems we currently face.

Perspective Three

Though our population numbers are higher than they've ever been, this is not a cause for alarm. Our growth rate is already beginning to slow. As we approach critical mass, that decrease in rate will continue until we're at "replacement" levels of reproduction, allowing the human race to continue without drastically increasing the overall numbers.

Essay Task

Write a unified, coherent essay in which you evaluate multiple perspectives on the issues connected with population growth. In your essay, be sure to:

-analyze and evaluate the perspectives given

-state and develop your own perspective on the issue

-explain the relationship between your perspective and those given

Your perspective may be in full agreement with any of the others, in partial agreement, or wholly different. Whatever the case, support your ideas with logical reasoning and detailed, persuasive examples.