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Topic 18
MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT. THE PROBLEM OF
OVERPOPULATION
Overpopulation is an undesirable condition where the number
of existing human population exceeds the carrying capacity of Earth.
Overpopulation is caused by the number of factors. Reduced mortality
rate, better medical facilities, the depletion of precious resources are
few of the causes which result in overpopulation. It is estimated that
about 81 million people add to the world’s population annually.
Regions with the highest number of population density feel the
dire effects and problems of overpopulation. The effects of
overpopulation are quite severe. The first of these is the depletion of
resources. The Earth can only produce a limited amount of water and
food, which is falling short of the current needs. Most of the
environmental damage being seen in the last fifty years is because of
the growing number of people on the planet. They are cutting down
forests, hunting wildlife in a reckless manner, causing pollution and
creating a host of problems.
The more the number of people, the more the number of
vehicles and industries as well as air travels. Furthermore, more
population leads to increased use of energy sources such as coal and
firewood which contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions. As
a result, our planet is suffering from the negative consequences of
global warming.
When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to
unemployment as there fewer jobs to support a large number of
people. The rise in unemployment gives rise to crime as people will
steal various items to feed their family and provide them basic
amenities of life.
Therefore, it is clear that the problems caused by
overpopulation are very serious. If this doesn’t change, this problem of
overpopulation may continue to grow. If that happens, this one issue