| 1. Title: The environmental consequences of having a baby in the United States. Author: Hall CA; Pontius RG; Coleman L; Ko J Source: POPULATION AND ENVIRONMENT. 1994 Jul;15(6):505-24. Abstract: Albeit to varying degrees, people both consume goods and generate waste. This paper presents sobering crude estimates of the environmental consequences associated with the birth of one baby in the US. The magnitude is calculated of 100 environmental impacts which one American born today will cause over a lifetime. The impacts are grouped under the headings of waste generation, mineral consumption, energy consumption, ecosystem alteration, and food consumption. Based upon assumptions made by the researchers and available data, the authors calculate that an American born in the 1990s will produce in his/her lifetime approximately one million kilograms of atmospheric waste, 10 million kilograms of liquid waste, and one million kilograms of solid waste. In addition, the person will consume 700,000 kilograms of minerals and 24 billion BTUs of energy, equivalent to 4000 barrels of oil. Contingent upon the availability of food, the person will eat 25,000 kilograms of major plant foods and 28,000 kilograms of animal products. The authors also consider impacts upon the extinction of species and indigenous cultures with the purpose of emphasizing the role of population growth in creating environmental problems and making potential parents aware of their ability to impact the global environment. One especially effective way for individuals to protect the national and global environments is to not conceive and bear children. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES | POPULATION PRESSURE | POPULATION GROWTH | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Carrying Capacity | Natural Resources | Environment | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 102942 |
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