Human Population: The Next Half Century
Abstract
By 2050, the human population will probably be larger by 2 to 4 billion people, more slowly growing (declining in the more developed regions), more urban, especially in less developed regions, and older than in the 20th century. Two major demographic uncertainties in the next 50 years concern international migration and the structure of families. Economies, nonhuman environments, and cultures (including values, religions, and politics) strongly influence demographic changes. Hence, human choices, individual and collective, will have demographic effects, intentional or otherwise.
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References and Notes
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16
I acknowledge with thanks the support of U.S. National Science Foundation grant DEB 9981552, the assistance of K. Rogerson, and the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Golden during this work.
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Volume 302 | Issue 5648
14 November 2003
14 November 2003
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American Association for the Advancement of Science.
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Published in print: 14 November 2003
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