Zero Population Growth: Definition, History and Further Reading
Introduction
Zero Population Growth (ZPG) is a concept that has been studied and debated for decades by economists, politicians, and scientists. It is a term used to describe a situation in which a country’s population remains stable over a given period of time, usually two to three decades. This article will provide an overview of the concept of zero population growth, its history, and some additional resources for further reading.
Definition
Zero population growth (ZPG) is defined as a situation in which the number of births and deaths in a population is equal, resulting in a stable population size. In most cases, this situation occurs when a population is in equilibrium, meaning that the birth rate and death rate are equal. However, ZPG can also occur when a population is growing at a slow rate, or when a population is declining at a slow rate.
History
The concept of zero population growth was first proposed by the American ecologist and demographer Paul R. Ehrlich in 1968. Ehrlich argued that population growth was the single most important factor driving human-induced environmental change and resource depletion. He believed that global population growth had to be brought under control in order to avoid a global crisis. Since then, the concept of ZPG has been widely discussed and debated by economists, politicians, and scientists.
Further Reading
Millington, J. (2013). Zero Population Growth: Understanding the Pros and Cons. Population and Development Review, 39(3), 473-494.
Sedgh, G., & Bankole, A. (2006). Global Trends in Contraceptive Use: 1995-2003. International Family Planning Perspectives, 32(2), 67-77.
Smith, K. R., & Hardin, G. (1972). Population Growth: Anthropological Implications. Science, 176(4037), 1161-1166.
Conclusion
In conclusion, zero population growth is a concept that has been studied and debated for decades by economists, politicians, and scientists. It is a situation in which a country’s population remains stable over a given period of time. The concept of ZPG was first proposed by the American ecologist and demographer Paul R. Ehrlich in 1968, and has since been widely discussed and debated. The resources provided in this article offer additional reading for those interested in learning more about the concept of zero population growth.
References
Ehrlich, P. R. (1968). The Population Bomb. New York: Ballantine Books.
Millington, J. (2013). Zero Population Growth: Understanding the Pros and Cons. Population and Development Review, 39(3), 473-494. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4457.2013.00578.x
Sedgh, G., & Bankole, A. (2006). Global Trends in Contraceptive Use: 1995-2003. International Family Planning Perspectives, 32(2), 67-77. https://doi.org/10.1363/ifpp.32.2.67
Smith, K. R., & Hardin, G. (1972). Population Growth: Anthropological Implications. Science, 176(4037), 1161-1166. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.176.4037.1161