World Population Day (July 11) – Overpopulation interlinks with natural depletion

There are around 7 billion people to share the Earth and its natural resources. The projects conducted on the global population states that the population of the world would increase to 8 billion by 2025. As the population increases, the demand for natural resources will increase as well. Although some regions are more populated than others, overpopulation has consequences for the environment and everyone who shares it. (1)

Resource Scarcity

The world’s population multiplied by more than 4 billion people during the 20th century. Although population growth rates are decreasing in several parts of the world, the population proceeds to grow and tax natural resources. In areas of enormous population growth, fossil fuels, timber, water and cultivating land can become limited because of overconsumption and degradation. Resource scarcity has several consequences that include the forced migration of people. In contrast, resource scarcity often leads to technological innovations that find more efficient uses for resources. (2)

Rising Prices

Food, fuel and energy prices rise when natural resources become scarce. A growing population indicates a growing demand for resources. If demand rises too quickly, resource scarcity results and causes prices to rise for several reasons. Non-renewable resources, including fossil fuels, cannot be replaced, so prices increase when supply dwindles. Even renewable resources, including timber, can increase in price if they need to be shipped long distances to reach areas where natural resources have been depleted. (3)

Pollution and Climate Change

People’s consumption of energy for transportation, heat, food production and other activities generates air, land and water pollution. More people means more pollution, which can exacerbate the depletion of natural resources. For example, when fossil fuels are burned to generate power, carbon dioxide is released. This greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, a process that affects weather patterns, water resources and the survival of animals and plants may depend on as food sources. Several industrial processes release harmful chemicals into the air and water as well. (4)

Water Shortages

In some areas of rapid population growth, such as sub-Saharan Africa, access to clean water is not guaranteed. When infrastructure development cannot keep up with population growth, water shortages and sanitation issues can occur. Almost 1 billion people lack access to clean water and more than twice that many do not have toilets. Fecal contamination is a major cause of disease; water-related sickness kills a child every 21 seconds. People in poverty-stricken, densely populated area often spend more money and time accessing clean water than people living in developed areas. (5)

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