The figure represents world population growth between 1950 and 2015. Examine the figure and use it to answer the following questions.

Question

A. When did NIR peak within this period, and what stage of the demographic transition in some regions is indicated by the shift that followed?

B. In 2–3 sentences, explain why world population would continue to increase, even if the NIR is decreasing.

C. In 2–3 sentences, describe one way in which data from this figure could be used to support a specific public policy initiative. Identify the initiative and connect it clearly to the data here.

(4 points)

Answer 1

A. The Natural Increase Rate (NIR) peaked around the late 1960s and early 1970s. This peak indicates that many regions were experiencing a transition from stage 2 to stage 3 of the demographic transition model, where declining birth rates start to follow declining death rates, thus leading to slower population growth.

B. World population would continue to increase even if the NIR is decreasing because of the demographic momentum effect. This occurs when a large population base (from previous high birth rates) continues to contribute to growth despite lower birth rates, as there are still many individuals in their reproductive years.

C. Data from this figure could support a public policy initiative aimed at enhancing family planning and reproductive health services. Given the trends shown, especially the decline in NIR, policymakers could use this information to allocate resources towards educational campaigns and access to contraceptive methods in regions where population growth remains high, thus helping to manage future growth sustainably.