Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
The prospects of future peace in this world are largely dependent
upon meaningful cooperation between nations as well as
collaborative efforts in promoting ideological compromise. This
\ will hopefully ensure international stability for succeeding
generations. Although political and ideological disputes have
both characterised humanity and marked the course of history,
there is another problem posing an immediate threat to the future
of man.
Current population increases present humanity with a unique
situation and with a problem that grows more critical with the
passage of time. Latter and Van Tonder (1976) report that it
took all of recorded time until the middle of the 19th century to
achieve a population of one billion. This figure was doubled
within 100 years and was trebled 30 years later. The above
authors also report that by the year 2000 the world population
will have reached seven billion (assuming stable fertility and
mortality figures).
According to the United Nations projection of world population
(1966, in L6tter & Van Tonder, 1976), towards the end of this
century a total world population can be expected of between
~'5400 000 000 and 7000 000 000. These projections are based upon
the supposition that contemporary Third World (including
developing areas) fertility levels will decline. These
projections should therefore be considered to be inevitable.
Britannica World' Data (1986) give credence to the above in
estimating that by the turn of the century, although the annual
population growth rate will have dropped from 1,7% to 1,5%, the
earth should be expected to have to accommodate a population of
6126 000 000.