21st Century Debates: An Overcrowded World?

Our Impact on the Planet.

Over the last fifty years the world's population has more than doubled. According to some experts, our ever-increasing demands will eventually exhaust the earth's supplies of fuel, water and food. Other experts argue that, as our numbers rise, scientists will develop new ways to sustain the human race without harming the environment.

In 'An Overcrowded World?', Rob Bowden examines the facts about population growth and its effects on the environment. He also considers what lies ahead. Could we make room for more people by sharing the planet's resources more equally? Or should we try to stop population growth now before it is too late?

The environmental strand of the '21st Century Debates' series looks at the impact human development is having on the planet and how this could affect our future. At the dawn of a new millennium, we are consuming more energy and producing more waste than ever before. What are the effects of our consumption on the natural world and how long can it last? This series examines the difficult decisions faced by governments and organisations concerned with these issues and asks what we as individuals can do to help.