OVER POPULATION

Human overpopulation occurs when the ecological footprint of a human population in a specific geographical location exceeds the carrying capacity of the place occupied by the group. An ecological footprint measures human demand on nature. How does overpopulation affect the world?

Human overpopulation is the most pressing of environmental issues, silently aggravating the forces behind global warming, environmental pollution, habitat loss, intensive farming practices and the consumption of finite natural resources, such as fresh water, arable land and fossil fuels.

Other problems associated with overpopulation include the increased demand for resources such as fresh water and food, starvation and malnutrition, consumption of natural resources (such as fossil fuels) faster than the rate of regeneration and deterioration of living conditions.

Global human population growth amounts to 83 mn annually or 1.1% per year. The present population of the world is 7.53 billion and forecast to be 11 bn in 2200! According to scientists, the maximum carrying capacity of the world is 10 billion. Overpopulation can result from an increase in births, a decline in mortality rate, an increase in immigration or an unsustainable bio-me and depletion of resources. Education is the best way to solve problems like overpopulation and poverty.