IB Geography
PATTERNS IN RESOURCES
CONSUMPTION
Module as described in the IB Syllabus: Evaluate the ecological footprint as a measure of the relationship between population size and resource consumption. Identify international variations in its size. Discuss the two opposing views (neo-Malthusian and anti-Malthusian) of the relationship between population size and resource consumption.
The video also mentions that the ecological footprint can be measured indivdually, as well as by country, thus we all have a role to play
Video Critique:
The ecological footprint Explained
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Resource Consumption Terminology
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The Ecological Footprint
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The Living Planet Index
Neo-Malthusian VS. Anti-Malthusian Theory
Please click on the icon to the right to view the 2014 Living Planet Report
The Malthusian Theory came from Thomas Malthus. Neo Malthusians are those who believe in it support the idea that there was a finite optimum population size in relation to food supply”. What this means is that the popluation grows at an exponential rate, and when the population surpasses the resources availbale (particularly with regards to food production). In turn, the point of crisis will be reached. It involves famine, war and other issues related to food production.
This theory is mostly concerned with increasing demand of food as the population grows, because they increase arithmetically, if they do so at all.
The Anti-Malthusians are led by Esther Boserup. It does not follow the belief that overpopulation will lead to a global crisis. Instead, it states that population increases will stimulate change in agricultural practises. She believed that people have the technology and resources need to increase food production and find a solution, when the time comes.
The change in agricultral practises mentioned can include: Terrace farming, greenhouse crops and many more.
This theory is mostly focused on adapting agricultural practises to suit the needs of the growing population. The concern is lack of supply, and how it can be improved.
Open Sans The video also mentions that the ecological footprint can be measured indiv
Neo Malthusian Theory
Anti Malthusian Theory
Carrying Capacity
This video looks at all the factors that involve the Malthusian Theory. Here are some key points
- Malthus thought that starvation would be a natural disaster.
-Uncontrolled population was th biggest porblem
-The disease and famine would cause war and a desperate fight for resources. Due to this, the population would eventually dip down low enough to sustain another generation. Malthus called this "The Cycle of Misery"
In 1846. a potato famine took place in Ireland, and some thought it was a testement or result of the Malthusian predictions. The English in particular liked this explanation, and thout the best way to solve Irelands problem was to let the famine play out - in irder to remind them to check their population by abstaining. By 1852, the Irish population was down from 6.5 million to 4 million. In 2010 the Irish population was still lower than during the famine, so it seemed to prove the theory.
Problems: Malthus did not pay attention to improvements in food production, especially in China. He only saw the downside of the agricultural revolution. (fights for land ownership)
-He underestimated humans abilty to adapt to the situation, as well as the technologies that would be developed.
In addition, John Green is a very captivating speaker who finds intersting and simplistic ways to explain the theory.
Map of the ecological Footprint
The unit of measurement for the ecological footprint is a global hectare. It is a common unit that encompasses the average productivity of all the biologically productive land and sea area in the world in a given year. Biologically productive areas include cropland, forest and fishing grounds, and do not include deserts, glaciers and the open ocean.
Please click on the icon to the left to view the interactive map website on the Ecological Footprint
The Carrying capacity refers to the number of individuals who can be supported in a given area within natural resource limits, and without degrading the natural social, cultural and economic environment for present and future generations. The carrying capacity for any given area is not fixed. It can be altered by improved technology, but mostly it is changed for the worse by pressures which accompany a population increase. As the environment is degraded, carrying capacity actually shrinks, leaving the environment no longer able to support even the number of people who could formerly have lived in the area on a sustainable basis. No population can live beyond the environment's carrying capacity for very long.We must think in terms of "carrying capacity" not land area. The effects of unfettered population growth drastically reduce the carrying capacity in the United States.
The video discusses the findings of the Living Planet Report 2014, as well impact of humans on our envrionmental resources. Here are some key points
- poverty is a result of envrionmental degradation, and not the other way rond as most people percieve it.
- Adressing envrionmental issues will assist in poverty problems
Important to acknowledge the good things such as the engaement of the civil community
-Three key sectors: Public, Private and Society - all of whom must work together
The video is very balanced as it not only discusses the problems, but commedns the efforts made so far.
Open Sans Please click on the link to view the original website with information on Carrying Capacity
Other Resources on the Living Planet
Interactive Maps
10 shocking facts from the Living Planet Report
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Please click on the icon to the left to view the interactive map website on the Ecological Footprint from WWF