Lecture on Malthus and Neo-Malthusians

Introduction

• Common concerns about Earth's overpopulation and resource depletion are reminiscent of ideas expressed in pop culture (e.g., Thanos from The Avengers).
• The concept of exceeding Earth's carrying capacity dates back to 1798 with Thomas Malthus.

Thomas Malthus and His Theory

• Book: "An Essay on the Principle of Population" (1798)
• Main Idea: Population grows exponentially, while food production grows arithmetically.
• Prediction: This imbalance will lead to a Malthusian crisis involving famine, war, disease, and societal collapse.
• Malthus’s Solution: Suggested government interventions to control population growth, such as policies to encourage smaller families.

Malthus’s Impact and Criticism

• Malthus was one of the first to analyze demographic data on population growth.
• Criticism:
  • Malthus was seen as anti-family in a time when large families were valued.
  • Viewed as an alarmist.
  • Failed to predict technological advancements in agriculture that allow food production to grow more than arithmetically.

Modern Understanding

• Contrary to Malthus, as societies evolve, population growth does not remain exponential.
• Demographic Transition Model: As countries progress economically, their population growth tends to slow and level off.
• Agricultural Advancements: Increased food production using less land.

Neo-Malthusians

• Modern followers of Malthus's ideas, focusing on broader resource depletion (not just food).
• Believe Earth's resources are finite and population growth will deplete them.
• Include examples from pop culture, such as Thanos's idea of reducing the population.
• Concerns: Climate change, water shortages, desertification, and other environmental issues as evidence supporting their views.

Conclusion

• Learning Activity: Answer questions on the screen and review answers provided.
• Additional Resources: Consider subscribing for more content and explore resources for AP Human Geography.

Remember, these notes are a summary of key points and ideas from the lecture. Refer to additional resources for more detailed understanding.