'People are realizing that we cannot forever continue to multiply and
subdue the earth without losing our standard of life and the natural beauty
that must be part of it. these are the years of decision- the decision of men
to stay the flood of man.' Ehrlich here explains the one of the most pressing
problems facing man in the 20th century. In Population Bomb Ehrlich
explains that pollution, shortages, and an overall deterioation of the
standard of living is all due to overpopulation.
In chapter one Ehrlich explains the pressing problems facing modern
civilization and how these problems are directly or indirectly linked to
overpopulation. Ehrlich explains situation using various examples of how
mass starvation is inevitable if population continues to increase the way it is
currently. In third world countries their food supplies are becoming
increasingly scarce because of their increasing populations. In these third
world countries the rich-poor gap is increasing creating the potential for
large parts of the population to starve.
United States
United States
World population curve. A log scale is used for th...Paraphrasing Ehrlich's ideas in
chapter can be explained as; there is only so many resources and as
population increases those resources will soon be depleted. Ehrlich uses
historical population research to lead to the conclusion that in 90 years the
population could be well over the earths carrying capacity. In third world
countries where population control is rarely used population, pollution, and
scarcity are becoming ever increasing problems. Roughly 40% of the
population in third world countries are children 15 years or older. Ehrlich
explains that if population growth continues at this rate older generations
will find themselves without adequate food and medicine. Near the end of
the chapter Ehrlich explains the cause of the massive increase in population
growth; as he explains that science and medicine have decreased the death
rate exponentially while the...