Overpopulation’s Effect on Environment

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The increasing world’s population is a global issue and becomes a source of anxiety for many scholars and decision makers around the globe. U.S. Census Bureau estimated that population growth will persist into the 21st century, growing from 6 billion in 1999 to 9 billion by 2044 (2010). In a longer term, it is also projected that human population may keep increasing up to 36.4 billion in 2300 (United Nations, 2003). Population upsurge is considered a centre piece for a range of problems world would encounter in the future. This essay will point out some of main problems generated by population increase and propose some solutions to cope with the issues. In particular, the focus will be on environmental, health, and social issues.

Earth has limited carrying capacity to support the sustainability of human live. The number of population that goes beyond this capacity (overpopulation) would definitely lead to environmental degradations (Hopkins, 2007). The reason is simple, more people means more need for food and fresh water to stay alive, more demand for space to live in, more waste to produce, and more energy to consume. Consequently, the burdens of nature will be greater than before. As the results, environmental issues such irresponsible land conversion, loss of forests and wildlife, and ecological pollution (air, water, soil and noise pollution) occur in overpopulated areas (Skwirk, 2010). Let take China for example. As the most populous nation on earth, this country suffers from bio diversity loss as well as air and water pollution crisis. Pandas are in danger because a large number of their habitat has been unwisely dedicated to new purposes such as farming and timber resource. A great demand for fossil fuel vehicles and ...

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...on_carrying_capacity.htm>

accessed 26-11-2010

Skwirk (2010) Year 9 Nsw, Geography, Issues In Australian Environments, Geographical Issues: Human Elements, Urban Growth and Decline

accessed 26-11-2010

United Nations (2003). Department of economic and social affairs, population division, world population in 2300

accesed 25-11-2010

U.S. Census Bureau (2010). International Data Base, World Population Information, world Population: 1950-2050

accessed 25-11-2010

WWF (2010).WWF?, China (& Hongkong), Problem, Environmental Problems in China

accessed 26-11-2010

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