Why Australia should cap its population growth. Mark O'Connor

The findings of Overloading Australia, the first major study of Australia’s population debate in the 21st century, may surprise.

Australia’s population (currently 21.5 million) is growing at 1.8% a year, far above the Asian region average of 1.1%, and almost off the First World scale (0.25% p.a. would be more typical). At this rate, says Mark O'Connor, we will have over 100 million people by 2100 – far more than the desert continent could sustain. He argues that when you consider climate change, greenhouse emissions, limits to water and arable land, and peak oil, Australia’s and the world’s population growth is out of control - yet there is precious little debate about this issue in Australia.

The Australian National University, June 2009

Source:

The Australian National University

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