The steadily increasing saturation of carbon in Earth’s atmosphere is at least in part due to human activity. If not, why else did this kick in at the beginning of the First Industrial Revolution? Hence, the sheer number of humans has a bearing on global warming, and climate change. However, we prefer to speak of 2 billion souls to emphasize these were real people with the same goals as us.
How Did We Reach 2 Billion Souls in 1930
When agriculture emerged 10,000 years ago, there may have been as many as 15 million souls on our planet. In 1682, philosopher, scientist and inventor William Petty estimated the number had grown to 320 million. By 1804, this figure had probably risen to 1 billion.
A variety of famines, diseases, wars and revolutions helped keep this number in check. However, the population in Europe continued to grow as living conditions improved. Since the start of the 20th Century, the populations of some Asian and African countries grew exponentially for similar reasons.
A Timeline of Earth’s Population
It took 123 years for that 1 billion to reach an estimated 2 billion souls in 1930. However we were still not monitoring the global population, and there was worse to come. Looking ahead, it would take a mere 30 more years to reach 3 billion. However, that is another story.
It is a gross over-simplification for the wealthy West to demand its poorer neighbors have single children families. In many cases, their families are all they have, they still rely on animal power, and they need as many hands as possible to survive. We cannot sit by and watch them slowly running out of water to bathe their children.
Until we learn to share our wealth to alleviate their poverty, these customs will continue. Alas, we fear human greed will prevent this ever happening. Perhaps Stephen Hawkins was right. Perhaps the battle is already lost. Do you think it is time find another home?
Related
Climate Change Part 5: Greenhouse Understood
Climate Change Part 7: 1927 Passed Us By
Preview Image: Los Angeles: Local water for one million, population 18 million souls
