We are powerful. A projection of global population from 1750-2100 is shown in Figure 1 . Following the industrial revolution, population in developed countries increased rapidly from 1850-1950. But more recently, developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America have begun to increase their population much as the industrializing countries did 100 years ago. Global population is projected to rise rapidly until the end of the 21st century and then stabilize at 10-12 billion people.
Population growth is the first driving force of global change.
The second driving force is per capita consumption. It has grown as fast as or faster than population. 1 Figure 2. Environmental Problems at the Local Scale As early as Biblical times, humans changed the face of their environment dramatically. The flag of Lebanon has a stately cedar tree in the middle of it.