Joel Cohen, Columbia University, presents "The Human Population: Its Past and Prospects" as part of the 2014-2015 Science Sundays lecture series.
The history of the human population results from interactions among demography, economics, the environment, and culture. The human population today is very heterogeneous. In 2005-2010, roughly half (48%) of the world's people lived in the 75 countries where fertility was below replacement level, although population continued to increase in many of these countries. Roughly 1/8 of the world's people live in regions with 4 or more children per woman per lifetime. The fractions of people living in cities and the fractions of old people also differ widely among regions. Under assumptions that are plausible but by no means certain, most demographers anticipate that, by the middle of the 21st century, the world's population will be larger by several billion people, more slowly growing, more urban, and older. Actions taken now can strongly influence the world we will have half a century from now.
There will be a reception following the lecture at the Wexner Cafe from 4-5 p.m.
For more information, visit the Science Sundays page of the Arts and Sciences website.
