The Race to Control the Population

The world’s rate of population growth is both astounding and alarming, as this eye-opening book notes: “Some experts estimate that by 2050 there will be at least 9 billion people on the planet, and by 2100 perhaps more than 10 billion.” Which nations have the largest numbers of people? How do demographers predict population changes? This engaging read investigates overpopulation’s causes and effects: increased life expectancy, for instance, leads to the depletion of resources. In its analysis, the text touches on a variety of related topics, including global warming and “city sprawl,” and suggests ways to address overpopulation-related problems (“Governments can encourage people to cut down on their energy consumption, and to reduce the amount of waste they produce.”). Text boxes highlight significant statistics and “Science Solutions” such as water desalination and “growing” meat. Captioned color photographs emphasize the immediacy of the issues at hand. Back matter contains a glossary, suggestions for further reading, a link to publisher-approved Web sites, and an index.