Question

By the year 2100, the world's population may be as high as 18 billion, almost three times greater than it is now. What potential problems could a high population create? List six.

Answer 1

An increase in the human population is a matter of rising concern facing the world. Overpopulation occurs when the number of living humans exceed the carrying capacity of the environment such that the natural resources are consumed faster than they can be replenished. Overpopulation is a result of a number of factors, the most important being reduction in the mortality rate. In the 14th century, the bubonic plague that struck Europe caused a significant decline in the human population. However, nothing has made a dent in the human population ever since.

A high population could potentially create a number of problems, some of which are listed below:

1. Depletion of natural resources: A population larger than the carrying capacity of the environment causes problem in terms of consumption of natural resources. Humans are consuming these resources faster than they can be renewed by nature.
2. Environmental degradation: Overuse of vehicles and a rise in industries is posing a threat to the environment in the form of emission of hazardous gases and pollution at large. On a greater scale, this is causing global warming.
3. Wars and conflicts: Conflicts among countries over natural resources, such as water and food is an observable result of overpopulation. All of these problems would turn worse if nothing is done about them in time.
4. Increase in unemployment: As the population is increasing, so is the rate of unemployment, especially in developing nations. There is a deficit of jobs and it might just cause more problems in the future.
5. High cost of living: As the demand of natural resources is increasing with each passing day, the prices of the basic necessities is also going up. In today's, world, people are paying more to make their ends meet than they did 10 years back.
6. Rise in crime rate: Overpopulation is an instigator of crime as a result of cultural conflict, conflict of values, etc. Some people resort to crime because it is their own way of gaining access to the resources.