Crowding Human Life
In 1950, there were only 2.5 billion people in the world. Now there are 5.3 billion. Human population may reach 8.5 billion by the year 2025. Experts disagree about how serious a problem this very fast growth is. And they disagree about what should be done about it.
It could be said that growth is slowing down. Most industrial countries – Japan, Canada, the United States, and the nations of Europe – are hardly growing at all. In Asia, Africa, and Latin America, growth is somewhat slower than it was twenty years ago.
Industrial nations all went through a time of fast growth when their industry was developing. When they reached the point where most people could live in comfort, population growth slowed. Many experts believe that today's developing nations will go through a similar change. The best way to control population, they say, is to raise the standard of living.
Industrial nations are beginning to look for ways to produce goods without the pollution that is one of the harmful effects of overcrowding. Developing countries will also use such methods if they are to take care of their people. Educating children everywhere is expensive, but the cost is worthwhile because children will contribute to their country's development when they are grown. Perhaps children now in school will invent ways to help people live at peace with the earth.