Janis Jaffe, age 12, of Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, for her question:
What is the population of the whole world?
By world population we mean all the human beings sharing life on this patient planet. Naturally the exact number changes from moment to moment as babes and born and older folks die. It so happens that the new arrivals far outnumber the departures and the world population is fast increasing. In one week the number grows by more than a million. Counting people and computing the data takes time and in some countries this census taking is done carelessly or not at all. For these reasons the total figures are merely estimates based on the available information.
The world population for this year of 1971 is estimated to be about 3,692,000,000. During the year it is expected to grow by about 69 million, an increase rate of 1.9 per cent. Among thoughtful people who really like people, these figures cause deep concern over how the earth can continue to support our exploding population. Certainly it's nice to share the world with lots and lots of people. But it's frightening to think that vast numbers of the newcomers perish from hunger.
Obviously we should give thought to this painful probability and try to avert it. In North America, the horror of mass famine is not a threat. But a crowded earth creates more problems than hunger. The quality of life loses its charm without comfor¬table homes and space to roam in unspoiled regions outdoors. Health is ruined by air and water polluted by industries striving to supply products for too many people.
The picture varies in different countries. One basic consideration is the ratio of people to farmland.. Canada's population increased ten per cent between 1956 and 1961 and the 1975 estimate is about 23 1/2 million, with plenty of land to spare. The United States has a square mile of arable land to feed every 250 people, but the population is doubling every 44 years. India has a usable square mile for every 710 people, but the teeming population doubles every 31 years. Kenya has only one square mile of arable land for every 1,110 people and the population doubles every 24 years.
Some of these figures spell disastrous future famines. Other figures reflect the quality of life in the ages at which the average citizens die. In North America, the life expectancy is 70 years or more. In teeming India and fast multiplying Kenya average life span is about 40 years. The ratio of people to arable land is a useful guide, but the quality of life is greatly modified by education, medical care and many other sensible programs.
For example, Japan proved that people can enjoy long lives, even though each square mile of usable land must feed 4,150 people. The average life span is almost the same as in North America, the literacy rate of 98 per cent also is the same as ours. However, while 31 per cent of our people buy our daily newspapers, 41 1/2 per cent of the Japanese are busy buying theirs. In Andy's opinion, being wide awake and well informed are major items in the good quality life. Humanity needs information and sound judgment to create a harmonious partnership with our populated planet.