Question

Explain the effects of technology, birth rate, and life expectancy on population growth, and predict the challenges that countries may face as a result.

Answer 1

Good morning, Susana!


The effects of technology on population growth rates and other related rates are the most diverse. With the turn of the nineteenth century to the twentieth century, we noticed that the increasing presence of technologies and new scientific advances was responsible for the expansion of life expectancy. The possibility of producing more food also motivated the population growth and, consequently, the number of births. The challenges are also varied, including:

- Maintain and expand the quality of life;
- Offer food for all individuals;
- Fight against epidemics and deadly diseases;

Answer 2

As technology helps improve the standard of living and medical care, people will live longer, causing life expectancy to rise. This will be more significant in developing countries, which have higher birth rates. These factors increase the risk of overpopulation. As overpopulation increases, resources such as food, water, and energy will be more scarce. Eventually, there may be a time when food production will not be able to keep up with population. This might lead to famine, higher poverty rates, and even war. More countries may be forced to take steps to control their population growth.