Global Population Challenges

This course introduces the big issues associated with changes in our global population. The world’s population is increasing rapidly, but population growth is far from even. Some of the most vulnerable parts of the world are growing the fastest, while other countries have too few working people to support their rapidly ageing population. This course will consider how population change is linked to sustainable development, migration and settlement, rapid population growth, ageing societies, housing and infrastructure, poverty, food and water supply, and the environment. The course will consider these population challenges from a demographic perspective, introducing the reasons populations change through birth, migration and death. A focus of the course will be on the large disparities across the planet, and students will engage in thinking critically about these global challenges. Overall, the course will: 1. identify past, present and future global population challenges 2. provide an understanding of how demographers and population scientists can contribute to understanding and addressing these challenges 3. demonstrate the demographic approach to understanding societal issues