UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor Speaks Out on Population

Talking at a recent PSN event, the transcript for which has just been published, Sir David King has predicted a very substantial impact of global population increase over the next few decades.

Singling out three key factors, Sir David warned of the need for a Green Revolution in crop productivity at least equal to that of the last 40 years if the world's burgeoning population was to be adequately nourished. 

Climate Change 

Climate change was another key corollary of population growth, with increases in mean temperatures causing widespread water shortages and loss of cropland. Rises in sea levels would also cause massive population displacements. 

A Mass Wave of Extinctions

One of Sir David's most disturbing prognoses concerned the impact of population increase on loss of biodiversity through habitat destruction, over-exploitation, pollution and climate change. Answering questions after his presentation, Sir David predicted a mass wave of extinctions.

Click here for a full transcript.