The globe is now inhabited by 6 billion people, twice as many as in 1960.Understanding the effects this population growth has on the environment will be paramount in developing policies that will mitigate the negative environmental effects. This report discusses the relationship between population and environmental change, the forces that mediate this relationship, and how population dynamics specifically affect climate change and land-use change. The author outlines both sides of the policy debate that have emerged--those who would limit fertility and population growth in the developing world and those who call for reduced consumption in the developed world. She concludes by calling forpolicymakers to pay increased attention to the role of population and forsake the search for one-step solutions to environmental problems. Aimed at policy makers but accessible to general readers, this study draws on environmental and demographic literature. Reference & Research Book News, 5/1/02 An exemplary sample of work.... Provides analysts and policymakers all the tools they need for informed decisions. Jennifer Wisnewski Kaczor Policy analysts studying interdisciplinary topics (such as population-environment issues) must synthesize research from various sources and fields into a policy-friendly and -relevant format. RAND's Population Matters project has undertaken this challenging task for policymakers on population issues. The Environmental Implications of Population Dynamics is Population Matters' first look at macro-level population and environment trends--and the implications these trends pose for policy at the local, national, and global levels... [It] is an exemplary sample of work targeted to a policy audience. Its recommendations are clear, concise, and easy to find within the text. Hunters' use of case studies and examples coupled with research and data provides analysts and policymakers all the tools they need for informed decisions. In addition, Hunter includes a useful list of references for those wanting to read more about population and environment linkages. The report is targeted specifically toward those doing policy work, but it would also be a useful tool for students wanting an introduction to the topic from a policy perspective. ECSP Report Aimed at policy makers but accessible to general readers, this study draws on environmental and demographic literature in order to assess the relationship between population dynamics and the environment. Chapters cover environmental effects of population size, distribution, and composition, then discuss possible mediating factors and climate change, concluding with discussions on implications of the findings. Reference & Research Book News It has become increasingly clear that human populations have apowerful effect on the environment. Yet the exact relationshipbetween population dynamics and the environment is complex andnot well understood. This report draws from demographic and environmentalliterature to examine what is known about the associationbetween population dynamics and the natural environment.The work was conducted in RAND's Labor and Population programas part of the Population Matters project. The primary focus ofPopulation Matters is synthesizing and communicating the findingsand implications of existing research in ways that policy analysts andothers will find accessible.The Population Matters project is funded by grants from the Williamand Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation,and the Rockefeller Foundation. This document should be ofinterest to anyone concerned with demographic issues, environmentalissues, and the interrelationships among them. For a list of ourpublications, please consult the inside back cover of this report. Forfurther information on the Population Matters project, contact:Julie DaVanzo, Director, Population MattersRANDP.O. Box 21381700 Main St.Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138Julie_DaVanzo@rand.