Africa is the worlds poorest continent, and it also has the worlds fastest-growing population. Many observers have concluded that overpopulation is a root cause of Africas poverty, and that if the continent is ever to emerge from underdevelopment its rapid population growth will have to be slowed. This book examines those assertions, offering a wealth of statistical and other evidence to suggest that the link between African poverty and the size of Africas population is by no means definitive. The book also examines the important demographic trendssuch as rapid urbanization, elevated mortality rates from the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and continued high fertilitythat will help shape African societies in the decades to come.
Improved housing conditions can save lives, prevent disease, increase quality of life, reduce poverty, and help mitigate climate change. Housing is becoming increasingly important to health in light of urban growth, ageing populations and climate change. The WHO Housing and health guidelines bring together the most recent evidence to provide practical recommendations to reduce the health burden due to unsafe and substandard housing. Based on newly commissioned systematic reviews, the guidelines provide recommendations relevant to inadequate living space (crowding), low and high indoor temperatures, injury hazards in the home, and accessibility of housing for people with functional impairments. In addition, the guidelines identify and summarize existing WHO guidelines and recommendations related to housing, with respect to water quality, air quality, neighbourhood noise, asbestos, lead, tobacco smoke and radon. The guidelines take a comprehensive, intersectoral perspective on the issue of housing and health and highlight co-benefits of interventions addressing several risk factors at the same time. The WHO Housing and health guidelines aim at informing housing policies and regulations at the national, regional and local level and are further relevant in the daily activities of implementing actors who are directly involved in the construction, maintenance and demolition of housing in ways that influence human health and safety. The guidelines therefore emphasize the importance of collaboration between the health and other sectors and joint efforts across all government levels to promote healthy housing. The guidelines' implementation at country-level will in particular contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals on health (SDG 3) and sustainable cities (SDG 11). WHO will support Member States in adapting the guidelines to national contexts and priorities to ensure safe and healthy housing for all.
The worlds population is growing at a faster rate than at any other time in human history. This rapid growth presents new challenges and strains on resources. The insightful text shows readers, through statistics and cases studies, how the Earths growing population affects people around the globe. Readers can use this new information as a grounding point to explore more information with the helpful website suggestions provided.
Thanks to modern medicine, people are living longer. But can our planet support such a large population? Experts weigh in on the subject, introducing readers to ideas and key details, including how populations grow, change, and how trends are measured. Take Action boxes suggest research activities students can do to increase their understanding of the issue.
Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Foreword: A Neglected Dimension of the Middle Eastern (and World) Dilemma -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- ONE: Introduction: Talking about Demography in Israel -- TWO: Of Pollution, Paucity, and Population Pressures -- THREE: Of Impaired Public Services, Poverty, and Population Pressures -- FOUR: The Rise and Fall of Aliyah: A Brief History of Immigration to Israel -- FIVE: Blessed with Children: From Dogma to Subsidies -- SIX: Women's Reproductive Rights: Abortion, Birth Control, and Fertility Policies in Israel
How many people is too many? What happens when too many people are crowded into too little space? What can be done to control the world's population? Read this book to learn more about overpopulation and start thinking about what can and should be done to address this important issue.
An examination of the environmental threats an unsustainable human population presents, exploring the effects of pollution and overcrowding, as well as how people can contribute to a healthier planet
