Republic of the Philippines

SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering Technology

Sorsogon City Campus

Magsaysay St., Sorsogon City

 Global demographic challenges arise from shifts, in the world’s population structure.

These issues impact society the economy and the environment in ways. Below is an overview of

some global demographic challenges;

1. Aging Population

 Due to advancements in healthcare leading to life spans and declining

birth rates there is a rise in the elderly population worldwide. This

demographic shift poses challenges, for healthcare systems, social

security and workforce dynamics.

2. Population Growth

 While certain regions are experiencing population declines many

developing countries are still undergoing population growth. This

growth can strain resources, infrastructure and environmental

sustainability.

3. Migration

 Globalization and regional conflicts have led to increased migration,

both within and across national borders. This brings challenges related

to integration, social cohesion, and economic disparity.

4. Urbanization

 More people are living in cities than ever before, leading to

overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, and environmental degradation.

However, it also presents opportunities for economic growth and

innovation.

5. Gender Imbalance

 In some regions, societal preferences and practices have led to gender

imbalances, with significant implications for social stability and

economic development.
 6. Youth Bulge

 In many developing countries, a large proportion of the population is

under 25. This "youth bulge" can present both opportunities and

challenges, depending on whether these young people can find

meaningful employment and contribute to society.

Currently, the global demographic problem manifests itself in such aspects and trends as:

 Fast population growth (overpopulation of territories) in the developing countries of Asia,

Africa, and Latin America (over 80% according to some estimates and about 95%

according to other estimates), which are characterized by a low space economy;

 Most Third World countries have no population growth control or clear demographic

policy;

 Aging and depopulation resulting from narrowed population reproduction (demographic

crisis) in industrialized countries, primarily in Western Europe;

 Uneven population growth worldwide;

 Population reproduction growth is typical of the planet when mortality decline is not

matched with birthrate decline.

It is characteristic that the lower the economic level of a country and the quality of life of

its citizens the higher its birthrate; conversely, there is a sustained tendency for birthrate decline

with high economic growth, resulting in the fact that the elderly become a majority (converse

proportionate relationship).

The intensity of the global demographic problem derives from its environmental

implications: the current population of the planet exceeds ten times the limit the Earth can

support. Population density and growth outpace the capacity and technology of agricultural

production to meet growing food demands and the need to intensify the economy.

According to social scientists, the reasons why the current demographic problem has

acquired a global character lie in the so-called “demographic boom” of the second half of the

20th century, when after World War II appropriate conditions formed for population growth and
longer average life expectancy. It is believed that every second the world population increases by

three people.

The demographic boom and uneven population growth in different regions lead to the

aggravation of associated global problems, for example:

 demographic pressure on the environment;

 ethnic and intercultural problems (interethnic and intercultural conflicts);

 immigration and migration;

 destitution, poverty, and food shortages;

 urbanization (“slum urbanization”);

 unemployment, production forces placement deformation, etc.

The demographic problem is one of the most important and problematic. First, no clear and,

more importantly, legally and ethically acceptable world mechanism has yet been developed to

decrease the population growth rate. Second, even from the financial point of view, the problem

is hard to solve due to the paradox of reverse proportionate dependence between the standard of

living and birthrate in various countries.

Proposals to resolve demographic problems of the global world have special value in light of

their complex character. We would be grateful to users of our website for new statistical data,

analysis, ideas, projects, and solutions in this field.

References:

http://planetaryproject.com/global_problems/demografy/