Click here to find out more about the population numbers. Food may be scarce, but it is international trade, economic policies and the control of land that have lead to immense poverty and hunger and therefore less access to food, not food scarcity due to over population. Click here to find out more about the issue of food and populations. Existing consumption patterns as seen in Europe and North America can put strain on the environment and natural resources. Click here to find out more about the issue of population, consumption and the effects.
Poverty is the number one health problem, in developing and developed nations alike.
Structural Adjustment policies, for example, from the IMF have not helped in many situations as social expenditure has had to be cut back. Coupled with corrupt rulers and dictators, often backed by the powerful nations, due to national geopolitical interests, a large number of people have suffered. Click here to find out more. Environmental degradation can contribute to social and political instability, which can lead to security issues. This has not currently been addressed by the foreign policy of many nations.