Royal University of Phnom Penh Subject: Global Studies 301

Institute of Foreign Languages Lecturer: Kim Lychelang

Department of English Class: M3.1

New Briefing
Group 1
Theme: Population and Urbanization
Title: World's Population Has Passed 8 Billion, US Census Says

An Overview:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world population has reached 8 billion people,
with fewer births compensating for longer lifespans; however, the world population growth is
still in a long trend of slowing down. The slower growth is due to the age account increase;
now the global average age is 32 and has increased to 39 in 2060. And another reason is that
people have fewer babies. Even though the population is increasing, it is slower than double
time if we compare between 1960 and 2000. The fertility rate is falling below the replacement
level. Almost three out of a quarter of people live in countries with a fertility rate behind the
replacement of the natural world population (2.1). Only 4% of the world's population lives in
countries with fertility rates above 5. All of them are in Africa.
According to the structural-functionalist perspective:
If we use structural functionalism to view this as a dysfunction because the reaching of 8
billion people in the population leads to resource depletion. This can put stress on natural
resources, which leads to shortages and environmental degradation. When the population
increases, the use of natural resources increases as well, which can lead to shortages and
unsustainable consumption. It also leads to social inequality. Because not everyone benefits
from a growing population in the same ways. Some people get more advantages than others,
which can lead to unfairness in society in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Solution for this problem:

1. Providing sustainable resource management by giving regulations to reduce consumption of

resources like water, agriculture, and also providing the use of recycling materials to reduce
waste.
2. Invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar in order to help the environment and
save some fossil fuels.
3. To promote the equal use of basic needs, make sure all people have access to basic needs.
4. Allowing making decisions for every person to have an equal contribution to face and solve the
concerns.

Reference:
World's Population Has Passed 8 Billion, US Census Says (voanews.com)
Royal University of Phnom Penh Subject: Global Studies 301
Institute of Foreign Languages Lecturer: Kim Lychelang
Department of English Class: M3.1