In this work, scholars, political leaders and experts in international development issues offer their responses to the need for up-to-date information about the linkages between population growth and three significant environmental issues: global warming, land use, and natural resource management. Collectively, the chapters in this volume look at the demographic facts and their interpretations, and beyond these facts to theories about consumption, technological development, and collective behaviour. Of particular concern throughout are the issues of poverty and the implications for the health and welfare of the poor people whose very lives are at stake in the global discussion about population growth and environment.