The Population Bomb Revisited

In spite of a slight slackening of the worlds population growth rate the worlds population is still projected to reach a peak of from 9-12 billion by the turn of the century; this would put enormous strain on the Earths finite resources and ultimately lead to catastrophic mortality rates. Forecasts on food production show that population growth rates in some regions particularly South Asia and tropical Africa are outstripping rate of increases in food supply; developing areas are projected to resort to very large increases in food importation in order to feed the hungry population. Another problem is the rapid deterioration of the ecological system. Many species which are of potential value to man (in terms of potential sources of food fiber drug chemicals) are rapidly being exterminated by man in the name of development projects. Other areas of concern include the need to develop and install new energy technologies to replace conventional ones; development of more efficient transportation and communication systems; improving facilities for production of consumer goods; and building more housing and commercial facilities for the growing population.