Since the middle of the 20th century, the world's population has more than doubled. According to experts, our ever-increasing demands will eventually exhaust the earth's supplies of fuel, water and food. Other experts argue that, as our numbers rise, scientists will develop new ways to sustain the human race without harming the environment. This text investigates how and why the population is growing so fast, the pressure on resources, the effects on wildlife and habitats, food distribution, living spaces and urbanization, migration and refugees and suggests ways of controlling growth. Opposing viewpoints are given in each instance to provide opportunities for discussion and debate.