1. How we can protect and restore our environment?

We end this study session with a positive message. Humans not only affect
the environment negatively – we can also contribute positively to sustaining
it. When we install wastewater treatment plants, protect endangered species
and replant forests, we have a positive impact on our environment. Since
2000, huge efforts have been made in Ethiopia to increase the forest
coverage through government and NGO reforestation programmes. More
than 700 million trees were planted in 2007 alone (AFP, 2010). Figure 1.12
shows people in Konso, Ethiopia, planting trees to celebrate World
Environment Day 2012.In some parts of the country where the reforestation
programme has been implemented effectively, the community has already
started to benefit from environmental improvements, through effects such as
creating more spring water, a higher water table, and less soil erosion and
flooding (Rinaudo, 2010).

2. What is population growth?

These impacts are inevitably linked to the number of people living on the
Earth. Human population growth affects all people around the world
through its impact on the economy, the environment, and the systems that
support life. The population has grown rapidly over the past hundred years
as a result of high birth rates and low death rates across the globe.

3. Demographic transition?
The changes in the population of countries over time have been found to
follow a pattern described as ‘demographic transition’. Demographic
transition is a process of fundamental change by which a country moves
gradually from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.
During the transition, death rates decline first and this is followed by a
decline in birth rates. Figure 2.3 shows the five stages of demographic
transition, described below.

4. What is population composition and characteristics?

Population composition is the description of the characteristics of a group
of people in terms of factors such as their age, sex, marital status, education,
occupation, and relationship to the head of household. Of these, the age and
sex composition of any population are most widely used. The number and
proportion of males and females in each age group have considerable
impact on the population’s current and future social and economic situation.