"September 1998." Includes bibliographical references (pages 77-89).

Introduction : The population challenge -- Population growth and ... Grain production ; Fresh water ; Biodiversity ; Climate change ; Oceanic fish catch ; Jobs ; Cropland ; Forests ; Housing ; Energy ; Urbanization ; Natural recreation areas ; Education ; Waste ; Meat production ; Income -- Conclusion : Breaking out or breaking down. "This study looks at 16 dimensions or effects of population growth in order to gain a better perspective on how future population trends are likely to affect the human prospect. The evidence gathered here indicates that the rapid population growth prevailing in a majority of the world's countries is not going to continue much longer. Either countries will get their act together, shifting quickly to smaller families, or death rates will rise from one or more [stresses such as AIDS, ethnic conflicts, or water shortages]." The sixteen topics are grain production, fresh water, biodiversity, climate change, oceanic fish catch, jobs, cropland, forests, housing, energy, urbanization, natural recreation areas, education, waste, meat production, and income. (Excerpt).