Malthusian theory and population growth's relationship to natural resources

Green Technology

Relationship between World population Growth and Global Development

The concern of shortage in natural resources, caused by the rapid growth of human population is one of the main debates which are discussing the matter of relationship between population and environment. This is issue was first set out in 1798 by Robert Malthus. According to him, the power of the population is significantly larger than that in the earth required to produce subsistence for human beings. By this, Malthus implied that the growth of human population is superior to the capacity of the earth with regard to production of natural resources. The repercussions of this fact are increased hunger as well as increased mortality rate all over the world. In addition, there is also delayed marriages and significant reduction in the size of the families. All these consequences play a substantial role in slowing down the demographic growth. Nevertheless, the Malthus idea is receiving a lot of criticism despite the fact that its development took place even the agricultural revolution. One of the main criticism states that this theory has its basis on the believe that the production of natural resources, as well as land are firm, without considering the advances in technologies resulting from the growth. Despite of these criticisms Malthusian theory had a significant influence with regard to posterior studies. This is because it has been the milestone of the concept of the carrying capacity.

Malthus theory involves the growth of human population although it also extends to natural resources. Through this, it looks in deeper details the relationship between the human population growth and the natural resources. Malthus on his theory stated that the problem is not the finiteness of the natural resources, but the changeability of their location as well as quality. These aspects are the one accountable for the variation in using the natural resources together with their relative shortage.

John Stuart also came up in contributing to this debate concerning the relationship between the human population and the natural environment. John inserted an external factor to dynamics of human population. This factor takes into consideration the incorporation of changes in technology as the most vital aspect for avoiding shortage or reduction in natural resources. Therefore, John's view is an effort to break the prevailing linearity of previous theories characterized by phenomena and continuity of various processes, as well as qualitative oscillations or absence of changes.

Karl Marx also took part in theorizing the relationship between the human population and the natural resources. Karl Max criticized the ideas of Malthusian through asserting that if the people can enter into a steady state, the problems of socioeconomic would become the major cause, but not the reality of declining yields, complete physical restrictions, or exponential growth in population. Karl Marx considers Malthus as a scientist and a representative with regard to his social class. Putting this into consideration, his arguments had the intension of justifying certain economic, as well as social measures.

Throughout the history of mankind, a steady growth in the use high quality energy has supported the expansion of human population. The operation of industrial civilization is currently depending wholly on access to a significant amount of energy of different types. This implies there can be serious consequences on human population as well as civilization if there is a decline of this energy. However, the increasing human population is demanding more energy. On the other hand, the natural resources, which are the main source of energy, are declining at a significant rate. This implies that failure to control the use of natural resources may lead to long-term consequences which may have significant implications on the human population. Taking this into consideration, there are various methods that are emerging for the purpose of preserving the natural resources through effective use of the available resources. One of the main methods is the use of green technologies.

A Specific Green Technology

Due to increase in human population, there is exploitation of the natural environment as the demand of energy is becoming higher than the natural environment can provide. Putting this into consideration, green house technologies is coming up with various methods aimed at reducing exploitation of energy. One of the main steps that these technologies are putting into account is the use of other sources of energy which are free from pollution. A Solar cell is one of the best known examples which are as a result of embracement of green technology.

A solar cell usually converts light energy directly to electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is a form of photoelectric cell generates and supports electric current when exposed to light. This happens without attachment to any source of external voltage. Through the use of solar cell, people can be able to get energy from the sunlight in a cheaper and easier way as compared to most sources of energy. Combination of several solar cells helps in making of solar modules, which take part in generating electrical power from the sunlight. The electrical power generated from the solar module, known as solar power is one of the main examples of solar energy.

The use of solar energy from the solar cell is one of the most researched technologies in the 21st century. Researchers are coming up with various ways on where and how they can apply solar energy in almost all the areas that require energy. Currently, there are many areas are using solar energy in operations. Some of these include power for domestic use, cars, toys, and electronics. People are testing the use of solar energy in various applications. Going with this rate of experimenting, it is true that most applications will be using solar energy in the near future. One of the main advantages of solar energy is that it does not pollute the natural environment. Moreover, it is a renewable source of energy, and hence people can use it as long as they wish provided they have the solar cells. The embracement of green technology through the use of solar energy will significantly help in conserving the natural environment, offering a favorable atmosphere for people as well as animals to live in.