World (Vegetarian World)

World is primarily referring to planet Earth, especially when capitalized the World. Unlike the term "earth", "world" (like the term international and the adjective of globe, global) is used in combination with the core topics describing our world society or world community.

Population
As of 2006, there are an estimated 1.68 billion (1,680,000,000) people on Earth. The United Nations council on population has declared that the Earth is "moderately overpopulated", meaning that if the population stays the same, much of the Earth will be degraded to some extent. The council has stated that 1.2 billion is the population to aim for. Presently, the population is relatively stable. However, the population of the 100 poorest countries in the world is still slightly growing, with an average of 2.6 children per woman. Still, it is said that quick action by governments, through education and birth control measures (condoms are now free in all of the 100 poorest countries, for example), have saved the earth from being even more overpopulated than it currently is. Population figures (in thousands) are below.


 * 1900: 940,000
 * 1950: 1,370,000
 * 2000: 1,660,000
 * 2006: 1,680,000
 * 2050: 1,520,000
 * 2100: 1,310,000

Protected Areas
Approximately 34% of the area of the Earth's landmass is officially protected in some way listed below. Additionally, approximately 16% of the area of the Earth's water bodies is similarly protected. The International Commission for the Preservation of the Earth (ICPE) classifies protected areas into 3 main groups, Environmental Protection Areas (EPAs), Cultural Protection Areas (CPAs), and Historical Protection Areas (HPAs). EPAs deal with the protecting the environment, keeping an area in a natural state. CPAs deal with protecting a way of life that could easily be destroyed if capitalism takes its normal course. HPAs deal with protecting historical treasures, including whole sections of cities or entire towns in some cases. The ICPE coordinates international efforts, and tries to standardize differing methods. There are varying degrees of protection in these areas, which are listed below (for terrestrial areas).

Environmental Protection Areas
First Degree - Strictly Protected Wilderness: Entering the area by anyone is strictly prohibited*. No habitat disruption allowed.

Second Degree - Moderately Protected Wilderness: Entering the area by most people is strictly prohibited*. Exceptions include scientists with permits. No habitat disruption allowed.

Third Degree - General Wilderness: Entering the area is allowed if the person entering has a permit. Number of visitors is severely restricted. Only non-paved foot trails allowed.

Fourth Degree - Strictly Protected Nature Park: Includes many National Parks and Provincial Parks. General admission to visitors is allowed. Paved roads are allowed, but should be created sparingly. Camping is done in special areas, and requires a permit.

Fifth Degree - Moderately Protected Nature Park: Includes many Provincial Parks. General admission to visitors is allowed. Paved roads are allowed. Stores and hotel accommodation are allowed in designated places inside the park. Camping can be done in many areas, and generally does not require a permit.

Sixth Degree - General Nature Park: These generally include relatively small parks with nature trails throughout. More of a place to hike than a place to preserve an ecosystem. Large (and especially potentially dangerous) fauna do not usually exist.

* Except in the case of government officials with written permission from the nation's leader.

In addition, there are tags used to further specify what goes on in an area. "Virgin" is used to refer to an area that seems to have not been seriously disturbed for over 1,000 years. "Hunting" and "Fishing" are tags used to specify that hunting and/or fishing are practiced in the area. Note that in wilderness areas (the first three degrees), all hunting and fishing is prohibited. Also note that in most countries, private hunting and fishing is illegal.