Sharply diverging rates of population growth in the 20th century have been accompanied by increasing disparities in income and quality of life. These papers examine the relationship between physical and human resources and population within a context of mass poverty and environmental deterioration.

The contributions to this volume examine the relationship between physical and human resources and population within this context of poverty and underdevelopment, historically unprecedented population growth, and environmental issues. Attention is focussed on those resources most critical for human well-being, including soil, water, and energy, on the one hand, and education, social organization, and economic management, on the other. The discussion is framed by a broad subdivision and global population prospects, the relationships between population and physical, biological, and human resources, human health, and human settlements. Introductory statements, including an address by Pope John Paul II, and concluding remarks draw out the common threads and point the way towards future action and research. This book originated in a study week organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences to bring the best available scientific evidence to bear on this complex and still inadequately explored topic. The study week brought together experts in demography and from the physical, biological, political, economic, anthropological, religious, cultural, and health sciences, to investigate past experience and observed trends. Through this multidisciplinary analysis, a reference base was assembled that is factual, amply documented, and as scientifically sound as possible.