Overpopulation has become a growing crisis in our lives. It has also emerged as one of the most
challenging issues faced by the world in today's generation. As per recent studies, by 2050, the
global population will increase to approximately 10 billion. This boost in population will cause
strain on the resources and the ecosystem, and the social systems will reach alarming levels. This
essay will discuss how overpopulation is a threat to the world today.
1) Environmental Degradation
Our planet can produce only a finite portion of water and food. Thus, overpopulation causes
environmental damage like deforestation, pollution, and many more. Similarly, the degradation
of the environment happens because of the overuse of resources like coal, oil, natural gases, and
more.
2)Food Security
Feeding a growing population becomes increasingly challenging. Especially in countries with
limited land and water, there are fewer resources to meet basic needs, and thus, development
kiosks and economies begin to tatter.
3)Ecological degradation
An increase in population will inevitably create pressures leading to more deforestation,
decreased biodiversity, and spikes in pollution and emissions, resulting in climate change.
As these resources are finite, overpopulation depletes them at an unsustainable rate. This
imbalance triggers scarcity and drives up prices, making it harder for vulnerable populations to
access essential commodities. Ultimately, unless we take action to help minimize further
population growth heading into the remainder of this century, many scientists believe the
additional stress on the planet will lead to ecological disruption and collapse so severe that it
threatens the viability of life on Earth as we know it.
4)Health and Disease
High population densities in urban areas and inadequate healthcare infrastructure increase the
risk of outbreaks and pandemics. Additionally, limited access to healthcare and sanitation
exacerbates health issues, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Many recent novel pathogens that have devastated humans, including COVID-19, Zika virus,
Ebola, and West Nile virus, originated in animals or insects before passing to humans. Part of the
reason the world is entering a period of increased outbreak activity is that humans are destroying
wildlife habitats and coming into contact with wild animals. Now that we're amidst a pandemic,
it has become clear how difficult it is to social distance in a world occupied by nearly 8 billion
people.
7. Migration and Conflict:
Overpopulation can trigger mass migration as people seek better living conditions and
opportunities elsewhere. This migration can lead to social tensions, strain resources in host
communities, and trigger conflicts over limited resources and land.
4)Rise in unemployment
When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to unemployment as there are fewer jobs to
support so many people. This boost in unemployment gives rise to crime, such as theft, as people
want to feed their families and provide them with basic amenities.
5)Faster climate change
Overpopulation forces larger nations to continue to develop their industrial capacities to keep up
with the population. They now rank as two of the three enormous contributors to emissions,
other than the United States.
To conclude, overpopulation is no less than a curse that poses a permanent threat to the
development of any country. It is essential to stop the flood of population. To do that, one must
indulge in proper family planning and create a balance in society for a better world.