From 1.6 Billion to 7 Billion in a Century: How the Earth's Population Exploded

The video discusses the critical role of nitrogen fertilizers in human survival and agriculture, tracing the historical challenges of food production and the breakthrough by Fritz Harbor in synthesizing ammonia. It highlights the impact of this innovation on global population growth and agriculture, while also addressing the environmental consequences and energy demands of the Haber-Bosch process.

What was a key factor in the increased food production that helped prevent starvation?

• The development of nitrogen fertilizers

• The discovery of new crop species

• The expansion of farmland

• The invention of the tractor

Who was the chemist responsible for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen gas?

• Albert Einstein

• Marie Curie

• Isaac Newton

• Fritz Haber

What was the initial use of the Haber-Bosch process during World War I?

• To create medicines

• To generate electricity

• To produce fertilizers

• To manufacture explosives

How did the Haber-Bosch process affect global population growth?

• It caused population growth to stagnate

• It significantly increased the population

• It had no effect on the population

• It decreased the population

What environmental issue is caused by the excess nitrogen from fertilizers?

• Air pollution

• Water pollution

• Deforestation

• Soil erosion

What percentage of global natural gas is used in the Haber-Bosch process?

• 1%

• 3%

• 5%

• 10%

What would be the consequence if crop yields remained at 1900 levels?

• We would need less land for farming

• We would have no change in land use

• We would need four times more land for farming

• We would have a surplus of food