Question

If the population of less developed countries continues at its current pace, the population of these nations is expected to double in 40 years. What will be a consequence of this rapid population growth?

1) The population will be rapidly aging, and these nations will require more health facilities and health care workers.
2) Large numbers of people will emigrate from these countries, and nearby nations will have to bear that burden.
3) A large percentage of the population will be too young to work; therefore, productivity will not increase.
4) These countries are expected to keep up with the demand for schools, employment, and agricultural output.

Answer 1

Rapid population growth in less developed countries can lead to an imbalance where a significant portion of the population is too young to work, creating challenges for increased productivity. This growth also puts pressure on resources, such as education, employment, and agriculture, and poses environmental sustainability issues. An aging population will eventually also require more healthcare services and support, contributing to the complexity of managing population dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the population of less developed countries continues to grow at its current pace and is expected to double in 40 years, one likely consequence will be that a large percentage of the population will be too young to work, which will affect productivity levels negatively. While high-income countries may be dealing with an aging population that requires increased healthcare services, many developing countries currently have a younger age structure. However, this demographic is expected to shift around 2050 when an increase in the elderly population in these countries will also demand more healthcare and support services.

In the meantime, rapid population growth can lead to pressure on educational and employment services, as well as agricultural output to feed the growing population. This can result in increased emigration as people seek opportunities elsewhere, potentially creating a strain on neighboring countries. Additionally, the environmental impact cannot be overlooked, with increased population growth contributing to the degradation of natural resources and challenges to sustainable development.

However, it is important to note that despite the difficulty in predicting the exact effects, concerns about the potential negative impact of rapid population growth on food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability persist. The world mortality rate has decreased, leading generally to aging populations that put further strain on societies' capabilities to provide services and maintain a high standard of living for all ages.