Overpopulation and the Impact on the Environment

Author

Doris Baus, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Sophia Perdikaris

Subject Categories

Agricultural and Resource Economics | Demography, Population, and Ecology | Economics | Education Policy | Environmental Policy | Environmental Studies | Family, Life Course, and Society | Growth and Development | Health Economics | Health Policy | International and Area Studies | International Relations | Place and Environment | Politics and Social Change | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Urban Studies | Urban Studies and Planning

Keywords

overpopulation, environmental impact, malthus, population growth, environmental issues, causes of overpopulation

Abstract

In this research paper, the main focus is on the issue of overpopulation and its impact on the environment. The growing size of the global population is not an issue that appeared within the past couple of decades, but its origins come from the prehistoric time and extend to the very present day. Throughout the history, acknowledged scientists introduced the concept of “overpopulation” and predicted the future consequences if the world follows the same behavioral pattern. According to predictions, scientists invented the birth control pill and set population control through eugenics. Despite that, population continued to increase and fight with constant diseases. Migration was another component that encouraged population rise, which imposes severe threats to the environment. Urbanization destroys natural habitats and reinforces carbon dioxide emissions, which cause climate change and global warming. Species are becoming extinct and humanity is at threat that it set up for itself. Food scarcity and shortage of water as well as lack of job opportunities and inadequate education are the results of global inequality. Uneven distribution of natural resources, financial means, and individual rights give rise to poverty and define the global culture as greedy, despite the aid of international organizations and agencies. Solutions to overpopulation lie in the efforts of national institutions to implement policies that will correspond to the guidelines given by international institutions that work for the best of the global community. Within this global network, individuals act in their best interest, leaving the rest in extreme poverty and shortage. The inequality supports issues that contribute to overpopulation and leads to a humanity’s extinction.

Recommended Citation

Baus, Doris, "Overpopulation and the Impact on the Environment" (2017). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/1906