Sunday 27 January 2013

Problems with Population increase



International population growth rate peaked in the mid-20th century. Global population has increased by record numbers to stand at over 7 billion today (McCormick 2009). According to demographers, the figures are expected to hit the 9 billion mark in the mid of 21st century. Environmentalists are all in agreements that the present environmental problems are in one way or another related to population explosion. These environmental problems run from climate change to depletion of resources.  Other notable problems associated with population increase include the catastrophic loss of forests in the planet. In addition, the increased figures of humanity have also lead to the exhaustion of fish. Humans are often aligned towards three basic needs i.e. food, shelter and clothing for survival. The need by humanity to establish shelter has led to destruction of forests. In addition, forests have been destroyed due to the need by the ever increasing population to access land that can be used for production purposes.  The clearing down of forests has also led to loss of thousand wild species (McFee, et al. 2012).
            Population explosion and the emission of greenhouse gases are intertwined. Increased levels of population brings with it increased human activity. These activities include the acquisition of new cars, establishment of industries and over exploitation of resources. The increase of locomotives that otherwise use petroleum products are responsible for the emissions of greenhouse gases i.e. carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The rapid increase of industries aimed to meet the ever increasing demand of the populace is responsible for global warming. This is relatively because they are responsible for the emission of large quantities of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Given that world population and subsequently their activities are not controlled, the entire globe will be faced with acute shortages of clean water. The aforementioned is expected to magnify and intensify the difficulties currently being faced by this populace i.e. in matters consumption. In addition, it will expose the delicate ecosystem to other devastating effects (McGUIRK and ARGENT 2011).
            In the third world countries, population increase has led to vicious cycles of poverty. Minimal access to reproductive control measures together with rigid cultures and traditions has resulted to overcrowding. In addition, the uncontrolled population has led to over stretching of natural resources. Moreover, a huge number of this population is exposed to health deficiencies i.e. malnutrition. Furthermore, the present space is not enough to meet their shelter demands. This therefore jeopardizes them from enjoying what their counterparts in developing countries enjoy. Populations in developing countries often have access to clean water, sanitation and access to medical services (Geisel, Vilar and Rubi 2011).
The rapid population increase over the past few decades has been a source of worry to not only policy makers but also economies. It has also raised concerns that the global space and resources might not be better placed or sufficient to sustain the large figures. Pollution of the environment has been aggravated by the rapid population explosion. Deteriorating conditions of living is other problems that are largely associated with the ever increasing population figures.  For example, citizens who live in urban centers seek to make ends meet in slums. There they lack access to basic amenities i.e. clean water and sanitation (Niedomysl and Amcoff 2011).

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