[World population and the worries it causes].

Some general issues concerning world population growth are reviewed. The author notes that estimates of the world's carrying capacity have varied from 10 billion to 60 million billion. He attempts to summarize the limitations on population growth that might be imposed by availability of resources, particularly food and minerals. The importance of distinguishing between population size and rate of growth when considering the impact of population is also noted. The author concludes that the result of the race between population growth and increased food production in the developing world is still uncertain, particularly in Africa, and the problems of increasing food production are more economic, political, and ethical than technical. The role of the developed world in resolving such problems is assessed.