Essay on Overpopulation and Environmental Degradation

Overpopulation and Environmental Degradation At the time of the agricultural revolution, nearly ten thousand years ago, the population of the globe was no more than ten million. Today the world population is estimated at over six billion. In the last hundred years the population has more than tripled. 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. (Southwick, 1996) Different theories have prevailed on what will occur as the population continues to explode ranging from the Malthusian apocalypse to absolutely no effects at all. Over the last two centuries as agricultural and technological advancements came about, the planets overall carrying capacity increased†¦show more content†¦The estimate comes from the availability of energy resources, agricultural land coupled with increased pollution control, recycling, and sustainability. (Southwick, 1996) The world today faces tremendous problems with poverty, disease, and famine as a result of the b ooming populations. Overpopulation has greatly affected todays societies throughout the world. Certain countries, especially in the third world, struggle just to survive as living conditions continue to decrease with the skyrocketing populations. One in six people in the world are desperately poor. The overpopulation is due to: an increase in the life expectancy, a huge decrease in child or infant mortality, lack of education for women, and an overall demand for children in the workplace. In recent times there have been many improvements in immunizations, not only within the actual medication but that many more people are receiving them, especially infants. As a result, a larger amount of young children are surviving and living longer. For many families in poverty conditions, children are essential for the overall familys survival; more income is needed that comes with more children working. Poverty increases population growth in hopes to rise out of the depressed conditions, increasing the poverty. (Te nnenbaum, 1998) It is a cyclic process that is spiraling out of control. Overpopulation has lead toShow MoreRelatedOverpopulation and Environmental Degradation Essay1784 Words   |  8 PagesJessica Carling 10/28/2010 Tues/Thur. 2:00 - 3:15 Overpopulation and Environmental Degradation The planet on which we live is dying, harsh: yes, but true. The sustaining capacity of the globe is shrinking a little bit every year and soon, if the population trend continues at the current rate the sustaining capacity will have reached its peak. 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