THE SCIENTIFIC DEBATE: Is Population Growth a Problem?

In an interview, Nathan Keyfitz, Andelot Professor of Sociology and Demography, Emeritus, Harvard University and former President of the Population Association of America, discussed the problem of population growth. Keyfitz states that population is a divisive issue. To some people, there is no more...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Harvard international review 1994-10, Vol.16 (4), p.10
Main Author: Keyfitz, Nathan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Economists
Environmental impact
Policy making
Population growth
Public policy
Teachers
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In an interview, Nathan Keyfitz, Andelot Professor of Sociology and Demography, Emeritus, Harvard University and former President of the Population Association of America, discussed the problem of population growth. Keyfitz states that population is a divisive issue. To some people, there is no more important or urgent issue facing humankind than the continuing increase of its numbers. Perceiving the prospect of resource shortage, even given current population densities, they advise restraint in the reproduction of people and in the production of goods for immediate consumption. Others, however, insist that no special effort be made to limit population growth until the existence of a problem is definitively proven; these observers hope to devote the world's attention and resources to increasing production, thus making more goods available to more people. However, those who suggest that population growth is not a problem demanding immediate attention are a minority. The preponderance of data and common sense insist that decisive and effective action be taken to address the population dilemma.
ISSN:0739-1854
2374-6564