Overpopulation and Its Environmental Effects

Overpopulation and Its Environmental Effects

The Big Picture of Overpopulations and its environmental effects

Main Points

the Overall Change

The Impact of Overpopulations around the globe

Environmental Effects Involved

Methods/Factors of population control

Pros and Cons

G. The Future of our Society/Main Concerns

Recap

the big picture of overpopulation and its environmental effects

The word population is estimated to be approaching 6.9 billion people. As one commentator notes, this is a "...very formidable number" (Stancheva). The reason for the concern about the world population figures is that this number of people constitutes a complex problem and it is considered to have a very detrimental affect on the world's environment in a variety of ways.

In recent years, we have become well aware of the fact that the world's environment has been drastically affected by climate change. This refers to evidence that proves the global warming is caused by human factors, such as carbon emission and pollution of the atmosphere. This is directly related to the problem of overpopulation and the fact that an increasing number of people are contributing to aspects such as atmospheric pollution, which is having a negative impact on the environment. This relationship between overpopulation and global warming is an aspect that will be discussed in this paper.

In essence, overpopulation is one of the major facets that eco-scientists and environmentalists state as an issue that that can have a profoundly negative effect on the environment. A point that is reiterated repeatedly in the literature is the fact that the problem of overpopulation is a global issue and not a local or regional concern only. This means that in the age of communications and globalization, where countries have become interdependent both economically and politically, the problem of overpopulation affects all the inhabitants of the world and not only isolated regions.

In this light, it is extremely worrying that many pundits predict that there will be a radical increase in the earth's population in the near future. One estimate is that the world's population is expected to increase to as much as twelve billion people in the next fifty years. (Global Warming Is Really Happening)

Experts also refer to global warming as an escalating problem. They state that if one adds the increasing problem of overpopulation and the concomitant need for resources to the problems of global warming, then this has profound implications for the stability of the environment. This has led to some dire predictions. "When you combine this over population problem with the problems we are going to experience from global warming the outlook for all humanity is bleak" (Global Warming Is Really Happening).

A common definition of overpopulation that will form the basis of the discussion in this paper is; "Excessive population of an area to the point of overcrowding, depletion of natural resources, or environmental deterioration" ('Overpopulation'). Some of the basic reasons for overpopulation include an increase in life expectancy as a result of improved medical practices, such as immunization and the fact that many more people are receiving medical treatment for illness than before. This has resulted in a decreased infant mortality rate in many parts of the world. The following diagram presents an overview of the population numbers by country

Source: http://www.cap-lmu.de/fgz/statistics/population.php

B. Thesis

The central thesis that will be explored in this paper is that overpopulation in the world can be directly linked to environmental issues. This includes contemporary issue such as global warming and climate change. This is based on the view that as the population increases beyond a certain point of balance, there is a greater demand for scarce natural resources. This demand places an unbearable strain on the natural environment and leads to an imbalance in the environment that has extensive repercussions throughout the world. This is also related to the issue of carbon emissions that have created global warming, leading to very serious environmental issues for our planet.

The seriousness of the problem global warming necessitates some form of control. This leads to the issue of information dissemination and education about this problem in an attempt to curtail future population growth.

II. Main Points

A. The Overall Change

In an article entitled, Environmental Effects of Overpopulation by Gian Vinelli, the author clearly outlines the way that the increase in the world's population over the last few thousand years has had an impact on the environment of the planet. Approximately ten thousand years ago, at the time of the agricultural revolution or the discovery of agriculture in human history, the population is estimated at being not much more than ten million people. If we compare this to the approximately six billion people on earth today, the increase in population is evident. There has also been a radical increase in the world's population over the last hundred years.

Figure 2. World Population Growth 1 a.D. To 2048 a.D.

Global Population (mid-year estimates, 1960 to 2048)

Comment

A.D.

300 million

310 million

Only +10 million in 1000 years!

400 million

500 million

980 million

Agricultural & Industrial Revolutions + European conquests of 'New Worlds' starting to have big impacts

1,260 million

More than 1,800 years (from 1 a.D.) needed to reach 1 billion

1,650 million

2,070 million

2nd billion reached in c. 115 more years

3,039 million

3rd billion reached in only 30 more years; max. annual rate of increase of 2.2%pa occurred in 1962

4,014 million

4th billion reached in only 14 more years

5,028 million

5th billion reached in only 13 more years; max. annual actual increase of +87.4 million occurred in 1989

6,002 million

6th billion reached in only 12 more years; by the Year 2000 the rate of growth had slowed to 1.26%pa, but the annual pop. increase is +77.3 million because of the larger base population

7,030 million

14 more years to add 1 billion more -- slowing of growth rate to c. 1%pa, but still +70 million pa added to global total

8,023 million

13 more years to add 1 billion more

9,024 million

20 more years to add 1 billion more; growth rate now 0.5%pa, but pop. increase still +40 million pa

Source: http://humanities.cqu.edu.au/geography/GEOG11024/week_1.htm

However, the increase in population by itself is not the problem. What is creating concern is the fact that the earth has limited resources to accommodate and feed the increasing number of people on the planet. As Vinelli and others note; "With the population rising at an enormous rate of 1.7 million a week, the world as a whole is being drained of its resources" (Vinelli). This in turn has a concomitant impact and an adverse effect on the environment that sustains the land and the people on it.

There a many studies that support the view that, "Environmental degradation and population growth go hand in hand" (Vinelli). This connection between overpopulation and the environment is based on a few logical and rather obvious observations. With the increase in the number of people, there is also a greater need for space, which results in the exploitation and damage of the environment to create this necessary space. For example, the demand for more land to accommodate more people has led to the decimation of many forests, natural habitats and ecosystems that are an important part of the overall environmental complex. The environment is in fact a subtle and complex interaction of various interdependent ecosystems. As more land is turned into human habitation, so these natural and essential ecosystems are upset and become unbalanced.

The damage to the environment can range from forests that are cleared to the diversion of waterways and the exhaustion of the soil and land through over planting to feed the growing population. (Vinelli) This also refers to the loss of various species of plants and animals - a fact that has accelerated in recent years with the increase in global warming. These species and organisms all play a part in the balance and maintenance of the environment and their loss has a knock-on affect that eventually results in the severe deterioration of the environment. One essential point that is made is that only about two billion people can be accommodated on the planet without upsetting the environment.

The impact of overpopulation on the environment also leads to disease and famine which impacts on the global human health profile.

As populations rise, the general health conditions decrease as fewer people are able to receive basic medical care. Similarly, poor living conditions and sanitation, especially the lack of clean water, leads to serious outbreaks of disease. In an attempt to feed the rising populace larger areas of land are cleared for agriculture leading to soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification.

(Vinelli)

This is particularly the case in less developed countries.

Adding to this picture is the increase in CO2 levels over the past fifty years. These levels have increased dramatically and are coupled with a thinning ozone layer and rising atmospheric temperatures. The general situation with regard to the increasing population and the environment is summed up as follows. "When the population of the earth hits 12 billion there will not be enough water or food to keep all these people alive and healthy. And what about jobs, housing, and health care for all these people?" (Global Warming Is Really Happening).

One of fundamental causes of this situation is the growth of technology. The Industrial Revolution not only created new forms of labor and industry but also led to an increase in the urban population. "There is a link between technology, overpopulation and the decline in the environment leads to increases in CO2 levels follows growth in population" (the EFFECTS of GLOBAL WARMING).

The following graph outlines some that ways that increased population and consumption impacts on the environment.

Source: (http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html)

Figure 4. The following diagram illustrates the increase in CO2 emission over time.

Source: (http://fixco1.com/bushglobalwarming.html)

It should also be emphasized that overpopulation plays a very important role in global warming. And that global warming is "not just an environmental term... But it is a catastrophic shift in the ecological balance that took the earth billions of years to achieve. It is a snowball event that will produce compounding effects over time. Global warming is really a global melt down" (Global Warming Is Really Happening).

B. The Impact of Overpopulation around the globe

There are many analyses of the differences between the developed and less developed regions of the word with regard to these issues. In most cases less developed countries show a much greater population increase, compared to a reduction of population growth in many advanced and developed countries. This in effect means that those countries that can least afford resources and spaces for increased populations are often the ones to bear the brunt of overpopulation - with associated affects on the environment in those countries.

For example, one study notes, "... more than 95% of that increase is going to take place in the world's less developed nations. (Outline of the World Environmental Crisis) Overpopulation is therefore concentrated in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America "... where almost all of the natural increase (i.e., the excess of births over deaths) in population will occur." (Outline of the World Environmental Crisis)

Figure 5. Most overpopulated regions.

Source. http://humanities.cqu.edu.au/geography/GEOG11024/week_1.htm

In contrast to this picture, the more developed countries such as Japan and countries in Europe have shown a decline in the birth rate." In Australia, as in the U.S.A., Canada, and New Zealand, 'natural increase' is also at 'zero population growth' levels, and only ongoing immigration keeps their populations growing." (Outline of the World Environmental Crisis) This situation can be clearly discerned from the following table of selected counties in different regions

Figure 6: Population, Selected Countries, 2000 and 2050 (est.)

Country

Population 2000 (millions)

Estimated Population 2050 (millions)

Increase 2000-2050 (millions)

Increase 2000-2050 (%)

Bangladesh

Philippines

Indonesia

PNG

Tanzania

Bolivia

USA

Australia

Germany

Source: Outline of the World Environmental Crisis)

The above analysis has a number or central implications for the environment. As most population growth occurs in less-developed countries this means that the countries generally do not have the technical expertise or the infrastructure to deal with environmental issues that occur as a result of overpopulation.

However, it is also equally important to realize that "...existing populations in the more developed countries already have environmental impacts on their own environments and on global ecosystems and resources that are both highly destructive and unsustainable in the long run" (Impacts, 2008). The point is also made by experts that due to the high level of industrialization there is an increase in pollution levels. Many industrial countries actually create a situation that is more detrimental to the environment than poorer countries.

There are many cases that can be cited of the way that overpopulation affects different areas of the world. A recent report by the World Bank states that the environment is Vietnam is deteriorating. This deterioration is affecting the delicate ecosystems of the country. The report states that "... 10% of the world's species are in Vietnam, but, of Vietnam's endemic species, 28% of mammals, 10% of birds and 21% of reptile and amphibian species are now endangered due to habitat loss and hunting" (Impacts, 2008). Furthermore, it was found that the area of cultivated land has increased by 38% but that, "50% of the land has poor soils due to human activity..." (Impacts, 2008). Most of the coral reefs are also affected while almost all the mangrove swamps in the country have been lost. These aspects are also related to the increase in the local population of the country.

Similar findings can be gleaned for a report entitled; Population growth threatens East Asian Coasts by Blanchard (2006). This report also indicates an important contributing factor in the relationship between increased population and environmental damage; namely an increase in economic prosperity. "Growing populations and booming economies are threatening fragile coastal areas in East Asia, and the region's coral reefs could face total collapse within 20 years" (Blanchard, 2006). The report also goes on to state that while there have been improved economic situations in the region, the rapid growth and the related population increase has had a severely detrimental effect on the local environment. This is especially the case with regard to the marine environment. The report states that, "Growing populations and their migration to coastal areas, dynamic economic growth, and rising global demands for fishery and aquatic products... have combined to exert tremendous pressure on East Asia's marine environment and coastal resources" (Blanchard K. 2006). The study also goes on to state that if the current rate of environmental degradation continues in the area the coral reefs, which are essential for marine ecology, will collapse in about twenty years. (Blanchard K. 2006)

C. Environmental Effects Involved

The above analysis leads to a more detailed assessment of the actual environmental effects of overpopulation in the modern world. The United Nations Environment Program has released a report on some of the most prominent environmental effects on people and ecosystems. The report states, among others, that half of the world's wetlands were lost last century and the world's forests have been reduced by as much as half by activates such as logging. (People and Ecosystems, the Fraying Web of Life)

Other findings of the report are even more alarming. It has been found that approximately nine percent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction and that tropical deforestation may exceed 130,000 square kilometers per year. (People and Ecosystems, the Fraying Web of Life) Another finding that clearly links these ecological and environmental issues to the problem of overpopulation is the fact that, "Fishing fleets are 40% larger than the ocean can sustain" and that "Nearly 70% of the world's major marine fish stocks are overfished or are being fished at their biological limit "(New Report Reveals Widespread Decline in World's Ecosystems).

Other findings of the report are also indicative of the results of overpopulation. For instance, it has been found that about thirty percent of the world's original forests have been converted to agriculture and "...dams, diversions or canals fragment almost 60% of the world's largest rivers" (New Report Reveals Widespread Decline in World's Ecosystems). Twenty percent of the worlds freshwater fish are extinct threatened or endangered (New Report Reveals Widespread Decline in World's Ecosystems).

There are a number of cardinal issues relating to population growth and the environment that should be remarked on. The following diagram shows the way that overpopulation and the related increase in consumption needs has led to a deterioration in environmental and health issues.

Source: (http://humanities.cqu.edu.au/geography/GEOG11024/week_1.htm)

As has been briefly referred to, one of the most worrying environmental consequences is the extermination of a growing number of species, which has been reported form many source as increasing rapidly. This is especially the case in the tropical rainforests as a result of the deterioration of basic habitat - a fact that is strongly related to the need for habitation and increased agricultural activity to feed the growing number of people. "Annual losses in recent decades of species of all kinds, most of which are insects, may be in the region of 15,000-75,000 species each year. That's about 50-200 per day..." (Outline of the World Environmental Crisis).

These facts are also related to the ongoing destruction of vital ecosystems in the world, such as coral reefs. In essence, what is in fact taking place is that as more people search for habitation and economic viability, so the destruction of vital species, organisms and ecosystems continues.

With 'economic development' (which almost always means the destruction of natural ecosystems) and with simply more poor people looking for places to eke out a living for themselves and their families, habitat loss continues to threaten the long-term viability of ecosystems all over the world.

Outline of the World Environmental Crisis).

Land degradation is another issue that is strongly linked to overpopulation. This refers to the increase in soil erosion and the depletion of soil fertility because of larger number of people using the land. This also includes the negative effects on the environment of fertilizers and other chemicals in the soil. The following graphic illustrates this important point.

Source:

http://www.ifpri.org/2020/visuals/visuals.htm

Source: http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/images/forests/pop-for2.jpg

Global warming has been noted as a cardinal aspect of environmental change related to overpopulation. Pollution created by overpopulation is a contributing factor to global warming and other negative environmental aspects. Pollution includes the increased usage of air pollutants. These are used mainly in the developed world. However, their usage has increased dramatically in the developing world. These pollutants and others have an extremely detrimental effect on the environment over time.

D. Methods/Factors of population control

As one study notes, overpopulation is not inevitability and there are many countries that have shown a reduced or zero growth rate in recent years. "This shows that population growth need not be inevitable, and that generally healthy economic conditions can still be enjoyed in countries where population growth has halted. (Outline of the World Environmental Crisis) if we accept that overpopulation has negative environmental consequences, then it follows that methods should be found to reduce overpopulation.

However, reducing population growth is fraught with many ethical, legal and practical problems. In some quarters, there has been a re-emphasis on the Malthusian view of population control. This view states that there should be formal and governmentally controlled measures instituted to reduce the number of births. These can include measure such as forced birth control.

This view is based on the theories of the British economist Robert Malthus in the 1700s. Malthus stressed that there was a correlation between population growth and societal welfare. He stated that the standard of living of the masses cannot be improved because, "The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man" (De Angelis, 1997). This theory could also be used to explain the connection between overpopulation and environmental damage.

However, more recent theory has argued against this correlation and modern thinkers have suggested that the link between population growth and social welfare is not a simple process, but that there are many complex and intervening variables which can also be related to the effects of over-population. One of these arguments against this view of population control is that is tends to benefit the privileged classes and advanced counties. This common accusation is often heard from Marxist theorists. "...today the ruling classes are bringing back the Malthusian argument in an effort to increase their control over the growing number of the dispossessed." (Gimenez Martha E.)

The point that is being stressed here is that Malthusian anti-Malthusian arguments have to be taken into account in deciding on measures to reduce population growth, as they also bring ethical and moral dimensions into play; such as the democratic rights of an individuals freedom of choice. This therefore makes the application of formal rules and methods of reducing population growth in democratic counties very difficult to implement.

E. Proposals

Possibly one of the best methods of controlling and reducing the population explosion is through information. By this is meant that instead of attempting to institute formal and regulatory processes to control population growth, the dissemination and teaching of information about the consequences of over population and its effects on the environment could be a way of more effectively and democratically dealing with the problem.

This proposal is based in the acceptance of the correlation between overpopulation and negative affects on the environment. The above discussion has largely shown that such a correlation does in fact exist. The challenge is that using modern methods of communication and interaction, such as the Internet, this knowledge can be disseminated and promoted so that a more responsible attitude can be developed towards the increase of population.

F. Pros and Cons

From one point-of-view, an increase in population provides many seeming advantages in terms of the growth of a countries economy. The increased number of people can add to the labor force and increase the productive output of industry. However, the cons of increasing population growth beyond a certain point far outweigh the apparent advantages.

As discussed, when the population increases to a stage when it puts a strain on the resources and the available space in a country, this results in a detrimental impact on the natural environment. As the environment is thrown out of balance by the increasing number of people seeking food and habitation, so the negative consequences accelerate. This refers to the numerous aspects mentioned in the sections above, such as the decline in natural ecosystems and the pollution of the environment. This is especially the case in Third World or developing countries where the infrastructure cannot cope with the increased population demands.

G. The Future of our Society: Main Concerns

There are a number of cardinal aspects that should be noted in terms of the long-term affects of overpopulation on global society. The first is that in the modern world, nations, countries are interrelated, and that what affects one country can have a spin-off effect on others. This is especially the case with regard to the damage to the environment. The environment is something that all people on earth share. Damage to the environment cannot be relegated to one country or area and it has repercussions that affect all humanity.

With the increasing threat of global warming, the issue of overpopulation is no longer academic issue or problem. As many scientists state, if humanity does not seriously attempt to reduce the affects of carbon emissions and other environmental hazards there might in fact not be a future for the planet. In this light overpopulation is an essential aspect to consider. Simply stated, the main concern is that the more human beings there are, the greater will be the amount of pollution and carbon emission in the environment.