Environmental Demography and Population Studies aims to equip Learners with a developed understanding of demographic concepts, methods and measures in relation to environmental systems. Learners analyse population size, growth rates and components of population change and interpret demographic trends within environmental contexts. Upon successful completion, Learners have the ability to apply demographic tools to study population-environment interactions and support evidence-based environmental planning and decision-making. This unit forms part of the ICM Level 3 Environmental Science Professional Qualification.
Environmental Demography
- Meaning and scope of demography
- Relationship between population dynamics and the environment
- Importance of population studies for environmental planning
- Key demographic terminology
Population Concepts and Environmental Relevance
- Definition of population
- Population size, distribution and composition
- Age-sex structure and population pyramids
- Dependency ratios and demographic dividend
- Environmental implications of population structure
Population Change and Environmental Interactions
- Concept of population growth
- Components of population change: fertility, mortality, migration
- Natural increase and net migration
- Environmental impacts of population change
- Population momentum and implications for environmental sustainability
Sources of Demographic Data
- Population censuses
- Household sample surveys
- Vital registration systems
- Administrative records and civil registration
- Environmental and demographic data integration
Demographic Measures
- Crude birth rate (CBR)
- Age-specific fertility rate (ASFR)
- Total fertility rate (TFR)
- Crude death rate (CDR)
- Infant and child mortality rates
- Migration measures: gross migration, net migration
Demographic Transition and Environmental Change
- Stages of the demographic transition model
- Environmental changes across demographic stages
- Second demographic transition in industrialised nations
- Relevance of demographic transition for environmental policy
Population-Environment Interactions
- IPAT equation: Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology
- Malthusian and Cornucopian perspectives
- Carrying capacity debates
- Population, consumption and resource use
Future Population Scenarios
- Global population projections
- Regional demographic variations
- Ageing populations and environmental implications
- Urbanisation trends and environmental impacts
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
