Where Are the People?

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: How might decreasing, increasing, and stable populations affect a country’s economy?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence:

• Why is the global population likely to begin falling within a few decades? (As women have gained access to education and contraception, fewer babies are being born. In many countries, families also feel that the cost of raising children makes it difficult to have any or more than one.)

• Frank Swiaczny says, “Countries need to learn to live with and adapt to decline.” Based on the article and your own understanding of the world, how can countries adapt to population decline? (Responses will vary; sample responses: Countries may need to offer fewer services because of a shrinking tax base. Countries could invest more in automation to replace a dwindling workforce or admit more immigrants to fill jobs and fuel the economy. Countries could shut down schools in low population areas and shift to remote learning models.)

• Review the graph on page 13. Do you think the projected decline in population by 2100 will have a huge impact on the health of the planet? Explain. (Responses will vary. Some students may say the effect of a decline will be minimal given that the 2100 population is projected to be about the same as it was in 2010, and pollution was a problem then.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Find the Evidence. Have students locate text evidence in the article to answer the questions on the graphic organizer.

4. Writing Prompt
Summarize how South Korea’s decline in population since 1992 has affected the country. What issues might the country face 10 years from now?

5. Classroom Debate
Should countries that have declining populations give incentives to families to have a lot of children?

6. Quiz & Skills
Assess comprehension with the quiz. Use Be the Editor to review grammar skills.