Population growth
There is an obvious connection between the increase in losses
from a disaster and the increase in population. If there are more people and
structures where a disaster strikes, then it is likely there will be more of an
impact. The growth of population has been so spectacular that it is inevitable
that more people will be affected by disasters because more will be forced to
live and work in unsafe areas. Increasing numbers of people will be competing
for a limited amount of resources (such as, employment opportunities, and land)
which can lead to conflict. This conflict may result in crisis-induced
migration. Such growth occurs predominantly in developing countries, resulting
in various contributors to disasters.
Figure. 1.2 Population
growth, 1750-2100.
Source: Thomas Merrick, et. al., “World
Population in Transition,” Population Bulletin, Vol. 42, No. 2
(1986).
