Model Answer

Introduction

The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with India now the most populous country in the world. Population explosion refers to the rapid increase in the human population, presenting challenges like resource depletion, environmental damage, and socioeconomic disparities. A common argument is whether development is the best solution to manage this issue.

Body

Development as a Solution

1. Economic Growth and Fertility Rates: Economic development can lower fertility rates. In South Korea, rapid economic growth led to a decline in fertility from 6 children per woman in the 1960s to 1 child per woman in recent years.
2. Education and Women’s Empowerment: Higher female literacy and empowerment are linked to reduced fertility rates. In Kerala, India, where female literacy is high, the fertility rate is 1.8 children per woman, well below the national average.
3. Access to Healthcare and Family Planning: Access to modern contraception can significantly reduce unintended pregnancies. The UNFPA estimates that if all women who wanted to avoid pregnancy had access to contraceptives, unintended pregnancies would decline by 76%.
4. Urbanization and Demographic Shifts: Urbanization often correlates with lower fertility. In China, economic growth and urbanization contributed to a fertility decline from 6 children per woman in the 1960s to below the replacement level of 2.
5. Sustainable Development: Sustainable development practices, as advocated by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, focus on responsible consumption and production, which helps manage population growth and environmental impact.

Limitations of Development

1. Cultural and Religious Factors: In some societies, cultural and religious values prioritize large families, which limits the effectiveness of development strategies in controlling population growth.
2. Inequality and Marginalization: Marginalized groups often have limited access to education and healthcare. For instance, data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) shows that the fertility rate among marginalized communities remains higher than the national average.
3. Governance and Policy Implementation: Effective policy implementation is key to success. In regions like Bihar, India, poor governance and resource disparities contribute to higher fertility rates, despite national development initiatives.
4. Long-Term Sustainability: Unsustainable industrial practices can exacerbate environmental degradation, potentially undermining the benefits of economic growth.

Conclusion

While development can play a significant role in curbing population explosion, it has limitations. A multifaceted approach addressing social equity, women’s empowerment, reproductive health, and sustainable development is essential for effectively managing population growth.