Negative Effects Of Overpopulation

With over seven billion people in the world, the Earth is suffering from the destruction humans have caused. Overpopulation is caused by exceeding the carrying capacity and has affected many different countries. By damaging and upsetting the stability of the world, the environment is affected in many different ways. Also, it becomes challenging for undeveloped nations to find alternative methods of production, due to the inadequate amount of resources available. Altogether, overcrowding negatively affects the environment. Overpopulation causes habitat loss, increases the rate of extinction, decreases the amount of fresh water available, and limits natural resources.

Overpopulation has damaged many diverse ecosystems throughout history. As the

As the population increases, the amount of fresh water consumed increases as well. This is mainly a result of water being used for irrigation, in factories, and to support daily needs. However, the amount of water being consumed per person has been increasing over time. Authors of the book, Population, Resources, Environment, Paul and Anne Ehrlich write, “1,500 gallons were used per person in 1960 and 2000 gallons was used per person in 1980. These numbers are still increasing” (Ehrlich). While some have the opportunities to use this much water, other countries are lacking as water levels are dropping. Despite the stupendous amount of water used per person in some areas, water scarcity is everywhere. As stated in the article Overpopulation, “Freshwater supplies dwindle every year and water scarcity affects one in three people on every continent” ("Overpopulation."). As explained in the previous topics, as the population increases, the demand for food increases. Irrigation uses the majority of the fresh water supply all over the world. Although, there are methods for decreasing the amount of water used on crops. For example, techniques such as drip irrigation, which drips the water directly onto the root of the plant. But not everyone adopts or is aware of this method. Also with the amount of fresh water being used to keep factories running, it is not shocking how much is being used. As stated in the text, “Water consumption will rise more than 40 percent by 2035 if population growth continues as it has been” ("Overpopulation."). If the human population continues to grow at this rate, especially in nations with enormous numbers, the percentage of water consumption will rise at an alarming rate. However, some could argue that there are some other methods for creating fresh water. One of these methods is referred to as desalination. The author of the book, Overcrowded World, Ewan