This is the single ESSAY exercise in this class, so give it due attention and carefully craft a well-written response. It is worth more points than other exercises and should not be skipped!

We have discussed the population problem, and pointed out that not all analysts even agree that there is a "population problem." Your job in this essay is to lay out the issue as you see it, touching on these elements in your essay:

1. Do you think the growing human population will reach "carrying capacity" as it is variously illustrated in Figure 1.8? If so, what do you expect will happen? If not, you can either argue that (a) population growth will slow, or (b) that carrying capacity is not fixed (or perhaps a mix of the two). If (a) give your reasons for this slowing. If (b) argue why the idea of "carrying capacity" is flawed or just wrong applied to human population.
2. If you believe that population growth is a problem, describe the best approaches governments could take to limit human population. Pay close attention here to the issues of fairness and equity, and consider the many angles you might address, from fertility to immigration policy. Feel free to express personal views about the appropriateness of various policies but offer thoughtful explanation along with your views.

Essay Writing Guidelines: Expressing yourself clearly and well in written form is important to your professional development and success, so give this effort due attention. We will grade it on substantive content and writing (grammar and style). Limit your essay to two-pages (sprawling a bit onto a third page is not fatal, but go no further!), double-spaced, normal font (no handwritten essays, please). Cite any material that you draw from or quote in some standard citation fashion. Carefully adhere to the university’s plagiarism policy. Be sure to put your name, student number, and recitation instructor's name at the top of the essay.

We expect this essay to apply concepts from the lecture and text to the population question, so be sure to use the key concepts and words. Hints for writing essays: plan ahead, outline it, use simple structure like: intro or thesis statement, argument, and conclusion. Draft it first, edit, then re-draft.