How have science and technology kept pace with population change?

SSINCE 1950 THE WORLD’S POPULATION has increased from 2.5 billion people to over 7 billion. This population growth has been matched by increasing demand for food and has placed growing strains on natural resources. Advances in agriculture and medicine have helped offset this challenge, while technological innovations in areas such as transportation and communications have increased the complexity of interactions among the world’s growing number of people.

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Protest Against Genetically Modified Foods Chilean demonstrators oppose the introduction of genetically modified crops. The banner reads, “I do not want transgenic crops in Chile: Movement for Food Sovereignty.” (Eliseo Fernandez/Reuters/Landov)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZING THE IMAGE: What do the costumes suggest about the protesters’ views about the effects of genetically modified foods?CONNECTIONS: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the scientific engineering of food crops?