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World in the Balance
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
Ask students to estimate how many people live in the United States (about
290 million). How many people do students think live in the world
(approximately 6 billion 360 million). Tell them that the world population in
1980 was 4.4 billion, and ask students what they think might be some of the
consequences of a rapidly growing population.
Countries worldwide are facing different population challenges. Organize the
class into three groups and have each group take notes on the challenges and
population pyramids of India, Kenya, and Japan.
After Watching
Discuss with students the various challenges facing the populations of
India, Kenya, and Japan. What are the issues facing each country? What does the
population pyramid for each country look like and why? How might each country's
issues be addressed?
In 2050, there will be approximately nine billion people in the world,
according to the most widely accepted estimate. Ask students what problems this
might create for developing countries. What challenges will industrialized
nations face? What problems will a nation like Japan, with a declining
population, face?
As Earth's population expands, additional resources are needed to support
the additional people. Ask students what kinds of actions could be taken by
individuals to conserve Earth's resources. What are some actions that could be
taken in each student's home or community? What can countries do to use the
available land, food, and water resources more efficiently?
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