September 4

The continuing discussion of the "commons" and the impacts of population growth on biome functioning.

Please look at this data set about population.

1. Identify the areas described in the data set. (In other words, be sure that you can recognize where each of the regions in the data set are found on a map.)
2. Create a google spreadsheet (share it with me) and enter the data for each of the eight years and each of the six regions plus global totals.
3. Choose a graph (other than the pie graph presented) that you think will describe the population trends. 

Analysis Questions:

1. What region do you think is the most limited (in terms of population growth) by natural resource scarcity? Why
2. What region do you think has the most capacity for growth (according to the data)? Why?
3. Where do you think a population decrease is most likely? Why?
4. What does the term "carrying capacity" mean? 
5. Does the Earth have a carrying capacity for humanity? Explain your thoughts.
6. Has humanity reached the carrying capacity yet? How will we know?

For tonight and this weekend...

1. Please re-read and review the Garret Hardin article. (tonight)
2. Please read pages 540-553 in Chiras. (this weekend)
1. Individual Action Counts... you all know about the ice bucket challenge, so here is my variation: use the weekend to create your own challenge that will allow for the silliness of social media to be appeased but will spread the word about an environmental issue of your choosing. You may post to twitter, FB, google+, instagram, etc. 
3. Final read and revision of the sustainability research question. Please turn in on Monday.