PHYS 100 Smith

By: HaleyM. Smith

Johnson, J. M. (2018, March 8). Consequences of over-population in India. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/consequences-over-population-india-joel-m-johnson/

Overpopulation: How it is Affecting our Earth

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Hypothesis:Developing Better Resource Management Would Help Curb the Devastating Effects That Overpopulation has on our Planet.

• Environmental pressures

India's huge population growth actively contributes to environmental degradation such as air pollution, rising urban heat levels, depleted groundwater reserves, deforestation, and water scarcity.

• Economic impact

Intense population growth can cause a decrease in the following -> incomes, profits, production, and resources. It can also lead to unemployment, excessive dependency, and an insufficient income rate.

• Public health

Due to Indias overpopulation the public health has became a concern due to the fact is has affected access to healthcare, infections, and poverty.

• Social problems

Overpopulation can cause/lead to social problems and development failures.

For an example of overpopulation lets look at India and china as bot countries have a population of 1.4 billion humans, same with China. For the last 70 years these two countries have made up over a thrid of the entire global population.

India

Overpopulation occurs when the human population exceeds the ecological environment's capacity to support it, leading to a shortage of essential resources like transportation, water, shelter, food, and social facilities.

What is Overpopulation?

Here you can include a relevant fact to highlight

How is Overpopulation Impacting the Natural Processes of the Earth and its Systems

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Overpopulation significantly impacts Earth's natural processes by exerting immense pressure on resources like water, land, and air, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, increased pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. This disrupts the ecosystems' delicate balance due to increased consumption and waste production by a growing population.

When discussing the issue, it's crucial to take into account factors such as unequal consumption patterns, which exacerbate the effects of overpopulation in areas with higher per capita consumption rates. Additionally, the rapid pace of urbanization intensifies environmental strain on cities, leading to challenges in waste management and air quality. Furthermore, achieving sustainability in addressing overpopulation necessitates the adoption of sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy, efficient resource allocation, and measures to control population growth.

Resource depletion As the population grows, will it necessitate increased consumption of food, water, and energy, subsequently accelerating the depletion of essential natural resources such as clean water, fertile land, and fossil fuels Deforestation Clearing forests/Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and others, driven by land pressure, are leading to the clearance of natural habitats, thereby affecting biodiversity, and exacerbating climate change. Habitat destruction Conversions of natural environments such as wetlands and grasslands into human settlements results in biodiversity loss and ecosys7tem disruptions. Pollution increase Higher population translate to increased waste generation which includes industrial waste which is what pollutes the air water and soil. Climate change The rise in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to burning fossil fuels for energy production, is significantly contributing to global warming. Overfishing The surge in seafood demand is prompting unsustainable fishing methods, resulting in the depletion of fish populations and the disruption of marine ecosystems. Biodiversity Loss Human activities, such as habitat destruction and species over exploitation, result in a loss of biodiversity.

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Overpopulation demands more resources from the Earth such as oil for example. One of the common ways that we use to extract oil from the Earth is fracking. Fracking essentially is injecting water at fast speeds into the ground that create fissures loosening soil allowing the drill to go down easier. The water that is injected into the ground can "hydraulically connect to faults"(Does fracking cause earthquakes?) This will increase the pressure on the faults leading to worse earthquakes typically above a 5.5 magnitude. And increases the likelihood of an earthquake occurring along that fault line

Overpopulation leads to a desire for material goods such as new shoes or the latest TikTok trend. Cheap plastic items that everyone seeks after end up in landfills or potentially the ocean. Either way, contaminants are added to the water sources. They contaminate in the trash. These types of contaminants will raise the pH in the water acidifying the water and making it poisonous for all around. And will introduce microplastics at a higher rate to water sources which is already an everlasting epidemic that we are fighting (Denchak, 2023).

As the population rises so does carbon emissions which currently sits around 36.6 billion tons per year (Lindsey, 2024) here as of the end of 2023. This will affect the global temperature which is continuing to rise on average 0.11 Fahrenheit per decade since 1850 And as of 1982 has begun to rise at three times that rate at 0.36 Fahrenheit per decade. With the conclusion being the increased rate is due to the population explosion. And even if we managed to get our population under control somehow or humanity died out because it would most likely take millions of years for all that carbon to break down the temperature would continue to rise. Causing lasting risen sea temperatures sea levels melting ice caps just to name a few of the long-term consequences.

Marine pollution, a worsening issue in the modern era, sees our oceans overwhelmed by two primary pollutants: chemicals and trash. Chemical contamination, also known as nutrient pollution, poses significant health, environmental, and economic threats. It arises from human activities, especially the agricultural use of fertilizers, leading to chemical runoff into waterways that eventually reach the ocean. This influx of chemicals, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, fosters the growth of algal blooms in coastal waters, which are toxic to wildlife and detrimental to human health. These blooms adversely affect local fishing and tourism industries due to their harmful health and environmental impacts. On the other hand, marine trash, predominantly plastic, enters the ocean through littering, storm winds, and inadequate waste management, with 80% originating from land-based sources. This debris includes a variety of plastic items like shopping bags, beverage bottles, cigarette butts, and fishing gear. Plastic waste is particularly problematic due to its longevity, with plastic items requiring hundreds of years to decompose. This trash endangers both humans and animals, as fish get entangled and injured, and some animals ingest items like plastic bags, mistaking them for food. Small organisms consume microplastics, absorbing the chemicals into their tissues, which then migrate up the food chain to larger animals and eventually to humans. Solutions to marine pollution involve prevention and cleanup efforts. However, changing societal reliance on disposable and single-use plastics presents a significant challenge. Cleanup efforts are also complicated by the fact that much debris sinks and some plastics accumulate in large ocean gyres, such as the Pacific Garbage Patch. Despite these challenges, many countries are implementing regulations to reduce or ban disposable plastic items, with over sixty countries enacting such policies as of 2018. (Marine pollution 2024).

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Citation for the statistics Fava, M. (2022, May 9). Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics. Ocean plastic pollution an overview: Data and statistics. https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

For centuries, humans have perceived the ocean as an infinite resource, capable of absorbing limitless waste and providing endless food. However, this misconception has been disproven by the alarming decline in ocean health, exacerbated by the rapid growth in the human population. The ocean, which covers 97% of the world's water and produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe, is facing unprecedented threats. Humane activities and lifestyle choices have pushed the ocean's ecosystems to the breaking point, compromising the health of this vital resource. The consequences of human actions on ocean health are multifaceted and far-reaching, with plastic pollution, chemical runoff, oil spills, overfishing, and rising ocean temperatures all taking a devastating toll. The statistics are stark: 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean annually, causing the deaths of over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals; chemical pollution from agriculture and industry is poisoning marine life; and overfishing is depleting fish populations, with many species facing extinction. The impact of human activity on the ocean is not limited to marine life; it also has far-reaching consequences for human health and the planet as a whole. The future of the ocean and the planet depends on our ability to restore ocean health and adopt sustainable practices. As the human population continues to grow, it is imperative that we take immediate action to mitigate the damage and ensure a healthy and thriving ocean for future generations. The ocean's health is inextricably linked to our own, and it is our responsibility to protect it (Overpopulation is destroying Ocean Health 2021).

Lokkie. (2015, April 15). 17 powerful images showing the devastating effects of overpopulation. Bored Panda. https://www.boredpanda.com/environmental-pollution-overdevelopment-overpopulation-overshoot-global-population-speakout/

The Earth's atmosphere is significantly impacted by overpopulation, which drives up greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy consumption, deforestation, and industrial activities, ultimately leading to climate change, disrupted weather patterns, and altered atmospheric systems, as a growing population demands more resources, resulting in increased pollution and disruption to the planet's climate regulation mechanisms. How does overpopulation impact the atmosphere? Overpopulation leads to increased carbon emissions, primarily due to higher energy demands met by burning fossil fuels, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Deforestation, often a result of accommodating growing populations, reduces the planet's natural carbon sink, further increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Increased industrial activity generates various air pollutants, contributing to smog and acid rain. Climate change disrupts natural weather patterns, leading to more extreme weather events. Certain pollutants can deplete the ozone layer, impacting biodiversity and potentially causing species extinction. The overall impact of overpopulation on the atmosphere includes climate change, reduced biodiversity, and air quality degradation

Effective solutions to address overpopulation include increasing access to family planning, promoting gender equality, raising awareness through education, implementing sustainable development policies, and addressing poverty and healthcare access. Key aspects of these solutions involve family planning initiatives, empowering women, comprehensive sex education, addressing poverty and inequality, policy implementation, and sustainable development focus. Important considerations include cultural sensitivity, male involvement, and a long-term approach (Solutions to overpopulation and what you can do 2021).

Viable Solution

Several potential solutions exist to address overpopulation, including: family planning through increased access to contraceptives and reproductive health services; education to inform decision-making and reduce fertility rates; supportive policies promoting responsible parenthood; international collaboration to address cross-border population issues; investment in green technology to reduce pollution and improve resource supply; leveraging exponential technologies like 3D printing for sustainable production; cultural shifts towards smaller family sizes; empowering women; integrating family planning into healthcare systems; incorporating population and environmental issues into education; and setting aside land for biodiversity protection (Solutions to overpopulation and what you can do 2021). I don't think I can propose a single solution to address overpopulation because all these options play a crucial role in reducing the human population. What we need is better leadership in our country and a willingness to listen to scientific advice. I firmly believe that with effective leadership, we can mitigate the issues of climate change and overpopulation. While it won't be a quick fix, as we're dealing with years of damage, I'm confident that we can make a positive change.

Proposed Solution(s)

Throughout the eight-week duration of this project, I have gained a profound understanding of overpopulation and its devastating impact on the Earth. Initially, I formulated a hypothesis that improving resource management could help mitigate the effects of overpopulation. Over the subsequent weeks, I researched and analyzed numerous articles to substantiate my claim. I delved into the concept of overpopulation, its ecological and economic implications, particularly in India, which is one of the most overpopulated countries. Furthermore, I examined how overpopulation disrupts the Earth's natural processes and systems, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. A key aspect of my research focused on resource depletion and waste management, highlighting the challenges posed by overpopulation in areas with high per capita consumption rates. In conclusion, my findings support my initial hypothesis, and I firmly believe that addressing resource management and overpopulation issues is crucial for the well-being of our planet and civilization.

Conclusion

• NCEI.Monitoring.Info@noaa.gov. (n.d.). Annual 2023 global climate report. Annual 2023 Global Climate Report | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202313#:~:text=Despite%202021%20and%202022%20not,0.36%C2%B0F)%20since%201982.
• Bish, J. J. (2024, June 24). What is overpopulation? causes, effects, and solutions. Population Media Center. https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/overpopulation-cause-and-effect
• Biswas, S. (2023, May 1). Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic?. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65322706
• Chatterjee, R. (2023, June 8). India’s population passes 1.4 billion - and that’s not a bad thing. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/06/08/1180454049/india-is-now-the-worlds-most-populous-nation-and-thats-not-necessarily-a-bad-thi
• Das, T. (2024, July 11). World Population Day: Is overpopulation is affecting Public Health in India?. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/world-population-day-how-overpopulation-is-affecting-public-health-in-india-101720173011262.html
• Denchak, M. (2023, January 11). Water pollution: Everything you need to know. Water Pollution Definition - Types, Causes, Effects. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#causes policy-brief-no-153-india-overtakes-china-as-the-worlds-most-populous-country/#:~:text=All%20countries%20must%20ensure%20that,Wilmoth%2C%20UN%20DESA%20Population%20Division.
• Does fracking cause earthquakes?. Does fracking cause earthquakes? | U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/does-fracking-cause-earthquakes#:~:text=The%20fluid%20that%20is%20injected,likely%20to%20occur%20on%20them.
• Destruction of ecosystem: Causes, consequences, and solutions. Testbook. (n.d.). https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/destruction-of-ecosystem#:~:text=Degradation%20of%20the%20environment%20is%20one%20of,to%20harm%20every%20living%20thing%20on%20Earth.
• Fava, M. (2022, May 9). Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics. Ocean plastic pollution an overview: Data and statistics. https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/
• Friends of Retha. (2021, March 26). Overpopulation is destroying Ocean Health. The Message by Yan Vana. https://www.yanvanathemessage.com/how-overpopulation-is-destroying-ocean-health/?srsltid=AfmBOorr5Vi5iKdYus1PJph9ax3TTtEBa1Jk2zg64A-yLVzIeR2vf6H3

References

• Johnson, J. M. (2018, March 8). Consequences of over-population in India. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/consequences-over-population-india-joel-m-johnson/ Lindsey, R. (2024, April 9). Climate change: Atmospheric carbon dioxide. NOAA Climate.gov. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide#:~:text=The%20global%20average%20carbon%20dioxide%20set%20a,high%20in%202023:%20419.3%20parts%20per%20million.&text=Since%20the%20middle%20of%20the%2020th%20century%2C,according%20to%20the%20Global%20Carbon%20Budget%202023. Peluso, C. (2023, August 13). What are the implications and impacts of overpopulation?. Population Media Center. https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/understanding-the-overpopulation-crisis-in-kenya Weber, H., & Sciubba, J. D. (2018, April 9). The effect of population growth on the environment: Evidence from European regions. European journal of population = Revue europeenne de demographie. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6497702/
• Kolkowska, N. (2024, March 5). How does overpopulation affect sustainability?. Earth.Org. https://earth.org/overpopulation-sustainability/
• Lokkie. (2015, April 15). 17 powerful images showing the devastating effects of overpopulation. Bored Panda. https://www.boredpanda.com/environmental-pollution-overdevelopment-overpopulation-overshoot-global-population-speakout/
• Peluso, C. (2024, April 4). Environmental damage from overpopulation and overconsumption. Population Media Center. https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/the-harm-of-overpopulation-and-overconsumption
• Positive News. (2022, July 11). 5 possible solutions to overpopulation. https://www.positive.news/society/5-possible-solutions-overpopulation/
• The Overpopulation Project. (2021, December 10). Solutions to overpopulation and what you can do. MAHB. https://mahb.stanford.edu/library-item/solutions-overpopulation-can/

• National Geographic Society. (2024, September 18). Marine pollution. Education. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/
• Wilmoth, J., Gerland , P., & Hertog, S. (2023, April 24). UN DESA Policy Brief No. 153: India overtakes China as the world’s most populous country | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations. https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-

References