- Published: September 19, 2022
- Updated: September 19, 2022
- University / College: York University
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 7
Environmental Problems Environmental Problems The current world population has led to a myriad of issues mostly concerning the environment. Increase in the population size is an obstacle to development mostly because of increased consumption. Some of these problems include over-exploitation of natural resources leading to the world appearing as if it cannot hold the current population (Bongaarts, 2013). While consumption increases, production and demand also go up. To provide for the population, there is increased usage of resources (Annenberg Foundation, 2014). This has led to degradation of the environment and affecting the security of resources for future generations. Environmental degradation has been experienced mostly from the perspectives of soil erosion, desertification, and disappearance of watersheds (Population and Sustainable Development, n. d). Most countries have employed low efficiency practices in production of the required supplies. This has led to another environmental problem known as global warming or climate change that has affected seasons and caused havoc such as unexpected floods. Poor countries have been affected from the perspective of health. This is because a large population requires more resources putting the burden on sanitary. This leads to diseases and other health problems (Human Population & Environmental Issues Environmental Issues, n. d). However, there are practices that can be employed to resolve the environmental problems. First, since it might not be possible to control the growth of the population, application of ways that can reduce global warming such as efficient production methods can help in eliminating global warming and climate change issues. Second, increasing awareness on the importance of forests and encouraging people to plant trees may also go a long way in resolving this problem. This is because this can eliminate desertification and soil erosion issues. With respect to sanitary issues in the developing countries, establishment of ways to increase cleanliness such as environmental cleaning initiatives could help in addressing this issue. These humanly possible ways can be used in eliminating most of the environmental issues related to high population.
References
Annenberg Foundation. (2014). Unit 5: Human Population Dynamics // Section 5: Population Growth and the Environment. Retrieved from http://www. learner. org/courses/envsci/unit/text. php? unit= 5&secNum= 5
Bongaarts, J. (2013). Why rapid population growth is a problem. Retrieved from http://www. worldwewant2015. org/node/298720
Human Population & Environmental Issues Environmental Issues. (n. d). Retrieved from http://tpb. itb. ac. id/web/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Topik-5-Human-Populatiom-Environmental-Issues. pdf
Population and Sustainable Development. (n. d). Retrieved from http://www. unfpa. org/6billion/populationissues/development. htm