Is Overpopulation the MAJOR cause of Environmental Issues?

 

Overpopulation is a never-ending human tragedy that has resulted in a slew of environmental problems. Water pollution, resource scarcity, gender imbalance, pollution, land degradation, urban sprawl, deforestation, and overproduction are only a few of the harmful consequences of overpopulation.

Despite federal attempts in many nations to limit overpopulation through family planning, overpopulation is difficult to regulate on a global scale. This has become more of a personal concern, and no solution appears to be 100 percent effective in resolving the overpopulation problem.

"Overpopulation is perhaps the biggest problem facing us, and immigration is part of that problem. It has to be addressed."

-David R. Brower

Astonishing facts about Overpopulation

• There are currently about 7.6 billion people on the planet. 

This enormous amount is the result of the population's constant expansion. Asia and Africa account up the majority of global overpopulation figures.

• The demand for resources outstripped availability in 1985. 

Prior to 1985, the allocation of available resources was fairly equitable, with a balance between demand and supply of resources. Nonetheless, the rise of overpopulation resulted in a state of disequilibrium, with resources unable to meet the needs of the whole population.

• Overpopulation is caused by more than just population growth. 

 The increase in life expectancy has also contributed to overpopulation. This is due to the fact that individuals are living longer than they were, say 50 years ago. Males, for example, had a life expectancy of 66 years in 1950, whereas it is today at 74 years.

• Every 20 minutes, 3000 babies are born, resulting in the extinction of 27000 plant and animal species. 
  

In the people's lifetimes, population expansion leads to exploitation of the flora and animals.

• China and India have a combined population of 2.7 billion. 

These are the most populous countries in the world with over 35% of the world’s population.

• Over 700 million girls are married before the age of 18. 

  

  Shanghai In China

This has caused the rate of births to be on the increase as well as the number of school dropouts.

• Overconsumption is a greater issue than overpopulation.

Overconsumption has been undermined, despite overpopulation being a significant worldwide issue. It is now known that 20% of the ultra-wealthy use 85% of the total, while 20% of the poor consume only 1.3 percent. Both extremes consume 85% and 15% of the available water.

"Overconsumption and overpopulation underlie every environmental problem we face today."

-Jacques Yves Cousteau

Amazing Solutions to Overpopulation

1. Education for Girl Child

2. Better Education

3. Tax Benefits or Concessions

4. Knowledge of Sex Education

5. Making People Aware of Family Planning

6. Social Marketing

"The human overpopulation issue is the topic I see as the most vital to solve if our children and grandchildren are to have a good quality of life."

-Alexandra Paul.

~Preethu