Human overpopulation

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/human-overpopulation

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the global population estimate?Exceeded 8 billion individuals in late 2022
2. What is the primary drivers of past growth?Declines in mortality rates due to medical and agricultural advancements
3. Why does overpopulation hurt the environment?When many people live together, we need more food, water, and energy. This can cause forests to be cut down, water to run out, and the air to get dirty.
4. How does overpopulation affect food and water?More people mean more farms and more water use. This can make it harder to grow enough food and keep clean water for everyone.

Demographic Transition: A model describing the historical shift in population growth rates from high to low.
Ecological Footprint: The measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems and natural resources.
Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.