The Effects of Human Overpopulation on the Environment

Quite simply, the earth is overpopulated. Statistics indicate that our planet will have a population of around 11 billion by 2100. Although the Earth has an amazing capacity to sustain life, that capacity is not finite and is, even now, being challenged by the sheer number of humans that rely on it to exist.

The problem of human overpopulation is affecting the planet today. From depleting natural resources to a decrease in arable land, and from climate change to the extinction of species, the dramatic effects of overpopulation are many.

Causes and effects of overpopulation Causes

• Better medical facilities mean an increase in life expectancy.
• Poverty and illiteracy result in higher birth rates. According to official records, the 48 poorest countries in the world are responsible for the highest levels of population growth.
• Lack of education is shown to lead to lower use of contraceptives, resulting in higher rates of pregnancy and increased birth rates.
• Reduced infant mortality rates, as well as a higher demand for fertility treatment, means a greater child population than ever before.

Effects

1. Decreasing freshwater – glaciers melting, rivers and lakes becoming polluted, and freshwater being depleted.
2. Extinction of wildlife species. Overpopulation is pushing wildlife to extinction particularly as a result of deforestation. This has already caused many wildlife species to disappear entirely from our planet, with many more – almost 50% of remaining species – endangered and at risk.
3. Depleting natural resources – arable land, fossil fuels, water and vegetation. Every kind of natural resource is becoming depleted at an increasing rate.
4. Climate change. Overpopulation has caused higher carbon emissions, which in turn has resulted in climate change. Today most places on the planet are experiencing major climate change, which is increasing the surface temperature of the Earth and depleting freshwater levels.