Population, resources and pollution model: positive and negative feedback
Feedback loops describe how population growth affects resources and pollution — and how those changes then push population size up or down in return. Negative feedback stabilises a system; positive feedback amplifies change.
Real World
The Limits to Growth model (Club of Rome, 1972) ran computer simulations showing that unchecked industrial growth and pollution would trigger a population collapse by the mid-21st century — a real-world application of positive feedback loops between resource depletion and rising death rates.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' a feedback loop, always state the direction of change at each stage — vague answers that omit this chain score poorly.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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