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Overpopulation: Humans, Scientific Theories, Reproduction, Environment, Resources And Effects
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Published: November 5, 2007
Among global issues, overpopulation is one of the most significant. Unlike climate change, the issue of overpopulation does not require elaborate scientific theories to be understood. The issue is a simple one: the population of humans is exploding, and it is taking an increasing toll on the environment. Overpopulation is also a difficult subject to discuss; its effects are felt throughout the planet, from the environment to natural resources to economics.
It is hard to examine the issue of global warming, for instance, without incorporating overpopulation as a factor. As long as the demand for resources continues to grow, combating climate change will be especially difficult. The solutions for overpopulation are complicated, and involve matters many people prefer not to discuss, chiefly reproduction.
The world population grows by approximately 149,000 people a day, and is estimated to rise to over nine billion total by the year 2050. Most troubling is that humans are growing at exponential rates, consuming more of the planet and its resources along the way. Overpopulation can have profound consequences on localized areas, creating intense pollution in poor urban centers. Waste management is of great concern in such places, especially because disease outbreaks often start with unsanitary conditions. Perhaps the biggest challenge for metropolitan areas, particularly in the third world, is to properly manage the booming population growth while maintaining decent standards of living.
Overpopulation also has global consequences, depleting forests and draining water supplies.
Most current attention is focused on the symptoms and consequences of overpopulation, but discussing its causes has become increasingly taboo. Reproduction is the biggest issue, and many are wary of considering the issue on a large scale. Indeed, governmental limitations on reproduction are favored by few, and China's controversial policies are viewed as draconian by the Western world.
Unfortunately, good population control transcends the governmental level, takes place over several generations, and involves a sea change in the habits of large numbers of people. The effects of overpopulation are most keenly felt in third world countries, where women have an average of five children during their fertile years. Stemming overpopulation in these areas will first require women to develop an equal voice with their husbands, a change requiring decades of gradual empowerment. Numerous religious and societal objections must be overcome for this to occur. Richer countries have trended toward smaller families, showing that population control is as much about literacy and economic opportunity as anything.
Perhaps discussion of overpopulation is taboo merely because of how complicated it is. It transcends simple scientific theories, and is an issue that will be won or lost on the cultural level. With planning and patience, the number of humans can be brought back into balance with the environment, ensuring a better future for subsequent generations.
Sources:
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation Could Be People, Planet Problem." CNN. 26 Sept. 2007. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpop ulation.overview/.
Hopkins, James. "Human Population Crisis." Cosmosmith. 2007. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.cosmosmith.com/human_population_crisis. htm.
Jeantheau, Mark. "Carl Sagan Had It Right - Billions and Billions and Billions." Grinning Planet. 5 July 2005. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/07-05/world-pop ulation-growth-article.htm.
Johnson, Boris. "Global Over-Population is the Real Issue." Telegraph. 25 Oct. 2007. Telegraph Media Group. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml= /opinion/2007/10/25/do2501.xml.
Related Articles
The world population grows by approximately 149,000 people a day, and is estimated to rise to over nine billion total by the year 2050. Most troubling is that humans are growing at exponential rates, consuming more of the planet and its resources along the way. Overpopulation can have profound consequences on localized areas, creating intense pollution in poor urban centers. Waste management is of great concern in such places, especially because disease outbreaks often start with unsanitary conditions. Perhaps the biggest challenge for metropolitan areas, particularly in the third world, is to properly manage the booming population growth while maintaining decent standards of living.
Overpopulation also has global consequences, depleting forests and draining water supplies.
Most current attention is focused on the symptoms and consequences of overpopulation, but discussing its causes has become increasingly taboo. Reproduction is the biggest issue, and many are wary of considering the issue on a large scale. Indeed, governmental limitations on reproduction are favored by few, and China's controversial policies are viewed as draconian by the Western world.
Unfortunately, good population control transcends the governmental level, takes place over several generations, and involves a sea change in the habits of large numbers of people. The effects of overpopulation are most keenly felt in third world countries, where women have an average of five children during their fertile years. Stemming overpopulation in these areas will first require women to develop an equal voice with their husbands, a change requiring decades of gradual empowerment. Numerous religious and societal objections must be overcome for this to occur. Richer countries have trended toward smaller families, showing that population control is as much about literacy and economic opportunity as anything.
Perhaps discussion of overpopulation is taboo merely because of how complicated it is. It transcends simple scientific theories, and is an issue that will be won or lost on the cultural level. With planning and patience, the number of humans can be brought back into balance with the environment, ensuring a better future for subsequent generations.
Sources:
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation Could Be People, Planet Problem." CNN. 26 Sept. 2007. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpop ulation.overview/.
Hopkins, James. "Human Population Crisis." Cosmosmith. 2007. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.cosmosmith.com/human_population_crisis. htm.
Jeantheau, Mark. "Carl Sagan Had It Right - Billions and Billions and Billions." Grinning Planet. 5 July 2005. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/07-05/world-pop ulation-growth-article.htm.
Johnson, Boris. "Global Over-Population is the Real Issue." Telegraph. 25 Oct. 2007. Telegraph Media Group. 2 Nov. 2007. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml= /opinion/2007/10/25/do2501.xml.
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