Final answer:
Blaikie's 'instant overpopulation' suggests a rapid increase in population surpassing the environmental carrying capacity, which can stem from improved living conditions or increased migration, aligning with Malthus' concerns of population outpacing food production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blaikie's reference to 'instant overpopulation' likely refers to a sudden increase in population that is too large to be supported by available resources without damaging the environment. This phenomenon can occur due to factors such as rapid population growth facilitated by improved living conditions, or a surge in migration as people move to areas with better opportunities. Such increases can lead to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and a potential rise in conflict and poverty as the population pressures exceed the carrying capacity of the region.
Thomas Malthus' theory on population predicted that human growth, especially during the Industrial Revolution, could outpace the production of food and resources, leading to inevitable poverty. Although modern perspectives have shifted to recognize overpopulation as one component among others, such as over-consumption and waste by wealthy nations, the concerns for overpopulation exacerbating environmental issues like climate change remain valid. These predicaments underscore the importance of sustainable growth and management policies that aim for zero population growth and maintaining a balance between births and deaths.