Population is a key element in the human impact on the environment. Population growth is often held to be the root cause of environmental problems, but the interactions between population, economic development and environmental change are too complex to support this conclusion. Other important factors, such as distributional patterns, migration and living standards, have a major role affecting the impact of population on natural resources and the environment.

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Contents:

12.1 - Introduction

12.1.1 - Population growth

12.1.1.1 - World
12.1.1.2 - Europe

12.1.2 - Distribution and density

12.1.2.1 - Migration
12.1.2.2 - Urbanisation

12.1.3 - Human development

12.1.3.1 - Fertility
12.1.3.2 - Life expectancy
12.1.3.3 - Living standards

12.2 - Production and Consumption

12.2.1 - Patterns
12.2.2 - Processes and technologies
12.2.3 - Environmental impacts

12.3 - Economic Growth versus Development