Overpopulation Essay

500 words essay on overpopulation.

Overpopulation refers to an undesirable condition in which the number of existing human being exceeds the actual carrying capacity of the earth. It has many causes which range from a decline in the death rate to early marriages and more. The overpopulation essay will throw light on this issue.

overpopulation essay

Ill-Effects of Overpopulation

The ill-effects of overpopulation are quite severe. The first one is that natural resources deplete at a faster level. Our planet can produce only a limited amount of water and food . Thus, overpopulation causes environmental damage including deforestation, pollution, etc.

Similarly, there is the degradation of the environment which happens because of the overuse of resources like coal, oil, natural gases and more. As a result, the quality of air also gets affected in this manner.

In developing countries, overpopulation puts a strain on resources. Thus, it gives rise to conflicts and tension. It also causes more diseases that become harder to control. Next up, we have the issue of unemployment.

Moreover, it rises due to overpopulation. There is more number of people than job opportunities. As a result, unemployment gives rise to crimes like theft and more. We also have pandemics and epidemics which happen due to overpopulation.

It is because overcrowded and unhygienic living gives rise to infectious diseases . Another ill-effect is malnutrition and starvation. When there are scarce resources, these diseases will likely to be on the rise.

Most importantly, we have a shortage of water which makes it tougher for people to get access to clean water. Similarly, lower life expectancy also happens because of the boom in population, especially in less-developed nations.

We also witness faster climate change as nations continue to develop their industrial capacities. Thus, they emit industrial waste which gives rise to global temperatures . It will keep getting worse if things are not checked immediately.

Solutions of Overpopulation

There are many solutions which we may take up to prevent overpopulation. The best measure is family planning to keep the overpopulation check. In order to do that, one can ensure proper spacing between the births of the children.

Further, limiting the number of children as per income and resources must also be important. Similarly, it is essential to increase resources. The government must make the horrors of overpopulation reach the public through the use of media.

Moreover, better education can help implement social change which can curb overpopulation. Next up, knowledge of sex education must be made mandatory in schools so students learn young about everything they need to know.

Most importantly, it is essential to empower women so they can break out of poverty. This way, they can learn about reproductive health and make better decisions. Another solution can be government incentives.

Many governments of countries already have various policies which relate to tax exemptions for curbing overpopulation. For instance, some waive a certain part of income tax for married couples with one or two children.

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Conclusion of Overpopulation Essay

All in all, overpopulation is no less than a curse that poses a permanent threat to the development of any country. It is essential to stop the flood of population. In order to do that, one must indulge in proper family planning and creating balance in society for a better world.

FAQ of Overpopulation Essay

Question 1: What is the main cause of overpopulation?

Answer 1: It is believed that the main cause of overpopulation is poverty. When there is a lack of education resource which coupled with high death rates, it results in impoverished areas witnessing large booms in population.

Question 2: How is overpopulation affecting the world?

Answer 2: Overpopulation is affecting the world as it is outpacing the ability of the planet earth to support it. It also has environmental and economic outcomes which range from the impacts of over-farming on global warming.

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Overpopulation: Cause and Effect

A large group of people walking in a city

Conversations about overpopulation can quickly become controversial because they beg the question: Who exactly is the cause of the problem and what, if anything, should be done about it? Many population experts worry discussions around overpopulation will be abused by small-minded people to suggest some are the “right people” to be on the planet (like themselves), and some people are “the wrong people” (usually people in poverty, people of color, foreigners, and so on—you get the drift). But there are no “right” or “wrong” people on the planet, and discussing the problems of global overpopulation can never be an excuse, or in any way provide a platform, for having that type of conversation.

Each human being has a legitimate claim on a sufficient and fair amount of Earth’s resources. But with a population approaching 8 billion, even if everyone adopted a relatively low material standard of living like the one currently found in Papua New Guinea , it would still push Earth to its ecological breaking point. Unfortunately, the “average person” on Earth consumes at a rate over 50% above a sustainable level. Incredibly, the average person in the United States uses almost five times more than the sustainable yield of the planet.

When we use the term “overpopulation,” we specifically mean a situation in which the Earth cannot regenerate the resources used by the world’s population each year. Experts say this has been the case every year since 1970, with each successive year becoming more and more damaging. To help temper this wildly unsustainable situation, we need to understand what’s contributing to overpopulation and overconsumption and how these trends are affecting everything from climate change to sociopolitical unrest.

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The causes of overpopulation.

Today the Earth is home to over 8 billion people. By 2100 the population is on track to hit 10.8 billion , according to the United Nations — and that’s assuming steady fertility declines in many countries. Interestingly, if extra progress is made in women’s reproductive self-determination, and fertility falls more than the United Nations assumes is likely, the population in 2100 might be a relatively smaller 7.3 billion.

For now, the world’s population is still increasing in huge annual increments (about 80 million per year), and our supply of vital non-renewable resources are being exhausted. Many factors contribute to these unsustainable trends , including falling mortality rates, underutilized contraception, and a lack of education for girls.

Falling Mortality Rate

The primary (and perhaps most obvious) cause of population growth is an imbalance between births and deaths. The infant mortality rate has decreased globally, with 4.1 million infant deaths in 2017 compared to 8.8 million in 1990, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is welcome public health news, of course.

At the same time, lifespans are increasing around the world. Those of us who are alive today will likely live much longer than most of our ancestors. Global average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900 , thanks to advancements in medicine, technology, and general hygiene. Falling mortality rates are certainly nothing to complain about either, but widespread longevity does contribute to the mathematics of increasing population numbers.

Underutilized Contraception 

The global fertility rate has fallen steadily over the years, down from an average of 5 children per woman in 1950 to 2.4 children per woman today, according to the UN Population Division . Along with that promising trend, contraceptive use has slowly but steadily increased globally, rising from 54% in 1990 to 57.4% in 2015. Yet, on the whole, contraceptive use is still underutilized. For example, according to the WHO, an estimated 214 million women in developing countries who want to avoid pregnancy are not using modern contraceptives.

These women aren’t using contraceptives for a variety of reasons, including social norms or religious beliefs that discourage birth control, misconceptions about adverse side effects, and a lack of agency for women to make decisions around sex and family planning. An estimated 44% of pregnancies were unintended worldwide between 2010-2014. Getting more women the access and agency to utilize family planning methods could go a long way in flattening the population curve.

Lack of Female Education    

Although female access to education has increased over the years, the gender gap remains. Roughly 130 million girls worldwide are out of school currently, and an estimated 15 million girls of primary school age will never   learn to read and write, compared with 10 million boys.

Increasing and encouraging education among women and girls can have a number of positive ripple effects, including delayed childbearing , healthier children, and an increase in workforce participation. Plenty of evidence suggests a negative correlation between female education and fertility rates.

If increased female education can delay or decrease fertility and provide girls with opportunities beyond an early marriage, it could also help to mitigate current population trends. 

The Effects of Overpopulation

It is only logical that an increase in the world’s population will cause additional strains on resources. More people means an increased demand for food, water, housing, energy, healthcare, transportation, and more. And all that consumption contributes to ecological degradation, increased conflicts, and a higher risk of large-scale disasters like pandemics.  

Ecological Degradation 

An increase in population will inevitably create pressures leading to more deforestation, decreased biodiversity, and spikes in pollution and emissions, which will exacerbate climate change . Ultimately, unless we take action to help minimize further population growth heading into the remainder of this century, many scientists believe the additional stress on the planet will lead to ecological disruption and collapse so severe it threatens the viability of life on Earth as we know it. 

Each spike in the global population has a measurable impact on the planet’s health. According to estimates in a study by Wynes and Nicholas (2017) , a family having one fewer child could reduce emissions by 58.6 tonnes CO2-equivalent per year in developed countries.

Increased Conflicts 

The scarcity brought about by environmental disruption and overpopulation has the potential to trigger an increase in violence and political unrest. We’re already seeing wars fought over water, land, and energy resources in the Middle East and other regions, and the turmoil is likely to increase as the global population grows even larger.

Higher Risk of Disasters and Pandemics 

Many of the recent novel pathogens that have devastated humans around the world, including COVID-19, Zika virus, Ebola, and West Nile virus, originated in animals or insects before passing to humans. Part of the reason the world is entering “ a period of increased outbreak activity ” is because humans are destroying wildlife habitats and coming into contact with wild animals on a more regular basis. Now that we’re in the midst of a pandemic, it has become clear how difficult it is to social distance in a world occupied by nearly 8 billion people.   

Discover the real causes and effects of overpopulation

What can be done about overpopulation.

When addressing overpopulation, it’s crucial to take an approach of providing empowerment while mobilizing against anybody advocating for the use of coercion or violence to solve our problems. The combined efforts of spreading knowledge about family planning, increasing agency among women , and debunking widely held myths about contraception will measurably change the trajectory of the world’s population.

As we carry out our work at Population Media Center (PMC), we see first-hand that spreading awareness about family planning methods and the ecological and economic benefits of having smaller families can change reproductive behavior. For example, listeners of our Burundian radio show Agashi (“Hey! Look Again!”) were 1.7 times more likely than non-listeners to confirm that they were willing to negotiate condom use with a sexual partner and 1.8 times more likely than non-listeners to say that they generally approve of family planning for limiting the number of children.

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH CONVERSATIONS ON OVERPOPULATION

In the spirit of Earth Day, it’s crucial to approach discussions about overpopulation with sensitivity and inclusivity. Overpopulation conversations should focus on the collective responsibility to steward Earth’s resources sustainably, rather than assigning blame or dividing communities. By fostering understanding and promoting access to education and reproductive health services, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

At PMC we harness the power of storytelling to empower listeners to live healthier and more prosperous lives, which in turn contributes to stabilizing the global population so that people can live sustainably with the world’s renewable resources. Discover how PMC is taking action against overpopulation today!

We’re Focused on Making an Impact. Learn More About Our Work.

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  • Overpopulation Essay

IELTS Overpopulation Essay

This model essay is about  overpopulation in cities . You specifically have to talk about the  problems  of overpopulation, and suggest some  solutions  to this problem.

Note that this question specifically asks you what governments and individuals can do.

Here is the question:

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.

Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.

Organising a Problems & Solutions Essay

Note that this overpopulation essay question specifically asks you what governments and individuals can do.

Overpopulation Essay

You MUST, therefore, write about what both of these can do in order to fully answer the question.

Note as well that you must talk about  serious  problems.

The easiest way to organize a problems and solutions essay is as follows:

Body 1: Problems

Body 2: Solutions

In this essay, a separate paragraph has been written about government and individual solutions, so it is organized as follows:

Body 2: Solutions - Government

Body 3: Solutions - Individuals

Model Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Overpopulation Essay - Sample Answer

Many countries of the world are currently experiencing problems caused by rapidly growing populations in urban areas, and both governments and individuals have a duty to find ways to overcome these problems.

Overpopulation can lead to overcrowding and poor quality housing in many large cities. Poorly heated or damp housing could cause significant health problems, resulting in illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Another serious consequence of overcrowding is a rising crime rate as poor living conditions may lead young people in particular to take desperate measures and turn to crime or drugs.

In terms of solutions, I believe the government should be largely responsible. Firstly, it is vital that the state provides essential housing and healthcare for all its citizens. Secondly, setting up community projects to help foster more community spirit and help keep young people off the street is a good idea. For example, youth clubs or evening classes for teenagers would keep them occupied. Finally, more effective policing of inner city areas would also be beneficial.

Naturally, individuals should also try to address these problems. One way is to put pressure on the government to ensure they tackle the problems by, for instance, forming action groups to lobby the government and request intervention and adequate funding. They could also form Neighbourhood Watch areas to try and help reduce the high levels of crime.

Therefore, it is clear that the problems caused by overpopulation in urban areas are very serious. Yet if governments and individuals share a collective responsibility, then it may well become possible to offer some solutions.

(260 words)

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Essay on Overpopulation

Kunika Khuble

Introduction to Overpopulation

Our planet has experienced an extraordinary population increase, highlighting the pervasive challenge of overpopulation. Earth is home to over 8 billion individuals, a staggering number that is continuously increasing. This surge, which reflects an exponential growth trajectory, is pushing us into an era where the implications of overpopulation are looming ominously over our collective future.

The relentless surge in global population poses a formidable challenge to the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems and the well-being of its inhabitants. Overpopulation, defined as the condition where the number of individuals in a given area surpasses the environment’s capacity to support them, has become a pressing concern on a global scale. As we navigate the 21st century, the world witnesses unprecedented demographic shifts and exponential population growth. This essay explores the complex issues of overpopulation, analyzing its root causes and significant effects on the environment and society and outlining workable strategies to lessen its effects. Recognizing and treating overpopulation is essential to building a sustainable future for future generations in a world where human footprints are considerably larger than the planet’s natural boundaries.

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Causes of Overpopulation

Causes of Overpopulation

Here are some of the primary factors contributing to this global predicament:

  • High Birth Rates : In many regions, particularly developing countries, cultural and religious factors often encourage more prominent families. Limited access to family planning and education further maintains high birth rates.
  • Decreased Death Rates : Healthcare, sanitation, and medicine advances have significantly reduced mortality rates worldwide. This has increased life expectancy, contributing to a larger overall population.
  • Migration : Rural-to-urban migration within countries and international migration from less developed to more developed regions also contribute to population density. Urban centers often attract people for better opportunities and resources, leading to overcrowding.
  • Social Norms and Expectations : Societal norms that favor larger families or place value on male offspring can lead to larger populations. In some cultures, having more children is considered a form of security or status.
  • Improved Quality of Life : Economic growth and technological advancements have improved living standards, leading to better healthcare and increased food production. While positive, these advancements also contribute to sustaining larger populations.
  • Political and Economic Factors : Instability, conflict, and economic disparities can influence population growth. In some cases, political or economic conditions encourage higher birth rates.

Effects of Overpopulation

Overpopulation exerts profound and multifaceted effects on our planet, impacting the environment, society, and economies in ways that demand urgent attention and thoughtful intervention.

A. Environmental Impact

Resource Depletion:

  • The surge in population strains water resources, leading to over-extraction from rivers and aquifers, exacerbating water scarcity.
  • Expanding urbanization and agriculture encroach upon valuable ecosystems, depleting fertile land and threatening biodiversity.
  • Meeting the demands of a burgeoning population places immense pressure on agricultural systems, depleting soil fertility and stressing food production.

Pollution and Climate Change:

  • High population density areas often experience increased industrial activity and vehicle emissions, contributing to air pollution and respiratory diseases.
  • Rapid population growth results in heightened waste production, challenging waste management systems and contributing to pollution.
  • Overpopulation-related increases in carbon emissions speed up the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and harsher weather.

Loss of Biodiversity:

  • The expansion of human habitats leads to habitat destruction, threatening the existence of numerous plant and animal species.
  • Overpopulation contributes to the illegal wildlife trade, further endangering already vulnerable species.

B. Social and Economic Ramifications

Strain on Infrastructure and Public Services:

  • Basic infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and sanitation, struggles to keep pace with the growing demands of an expanding population.
  • Public services, such as education and healthcare, face challenges in delivering quality services to an increasing number of people.

Unemployment and Poverty:

  • High-population-density areas often experience elevated levels of unemployment as job opportunities fail to match the pace of population growth.
  • Overpopulation can contribute to a cycle of poverty, where limited resources are stretched thin, hindering social and economic mobility.

Social Unrest and Migration Issues:

  • As marginalized people compete for opportunities and resources, social unrest may result as they demand fair access to basic services.
  • Overpopulation can drive internal and international migration, strain host communities, and create geopolitical tensions.

C. Impact on Healthcare Systems

Spread of Diseases:

  • Living in close quarters with little access to medical facilities fosters an environment that is conducive to the quick spread of infectious diseases. Overpopulation makes it harder to regulate and stop the spread of diseases in both remote rural areas and heavily populated urban centers.
  • The repercussions of this extend far beyond the immediate health crisis, affecting societal well-being and economic stability.

Lack of Access to Healthcare:

  • In regions grappling with overpopulation, disparities in healthcare access become glaringly apparent. Limited resources and overstretched healthcare infrastructures make it difficult for individuals, particularly in marginalized communities, to access essential medical services.
  • This perpetuates health inequalities and poses a formidable barrier to overall societal development.

D. Educational Challenges

Overcrowded Schools:

  • The surge in school-aged children strains educational institutions, leading to overcrowded classrooms and overburdened educators. This not only hampers the quality of education but also diminishes the learning experience for students.
  • Overpopulation in schools is a barrier to achieving the essential goal of providing quality education for all, hindering intellectual growth and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Limited Resources for Education:

  • Overpopulation places immense pressure on educational resources, ranging from textbooks and classroom space to qualified teachers.
  • These resources are necessary for delivering a robust education, hindering the development of critical skills for individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. As a result, the cycle of poverty persists, further deepening social inequalities.

Regional Disparities

Regional disparities play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of this global predicament, influencing and exacerbating the challenges faced by different parts of the world.

1. Population Density in Different Regions

The global population distribution is far from uniform, with some regions grappling with high population density while vast, uninhabited expanses mark others. For instance, mega-cities in Asia and Africa witness a concentration of people that strains urban infrastructure and resources. In contrast, sparsely populated areas in North America and Australia present a stark contrast, raising questions about the equitable utilization of the Earth’s finite resources.

2. Impacts on Developed and Developing Nations

Overpopulation affects developed and developing nations differently, amplifying existing disparities. Developed nations often grapple with aging populations, where declining birth rates and increasing elderly citizens pose economic and social challenges. On the other hand, developing nations face the brunt of rapid population growth, straining limited resources, and hindering efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. To close this gap, one must have a sophisticated awareness of the particular difficulties that every group of countries faces.

3. Migration Trends

Overpopulation prompts migration patterns that further contribute to regional imbalances. Individuals and families from densely populated regions often seek economic and social opportunities by migrating to less crowded areas. Whether internal or international, this movement can lead to challenges such as overcrowded urban centers, cultural clashes, and stress on public services. Examining these migration trends provides insights into the complex interplay between overpopulation and regional dynamics.

Here’s a structured overview of potential solutions:

1. Education and Family Planning

  • Importance of Education : When it comes to providing people, particularly women, with information about family planning, reproductive health, and the effects of overpopulation, education is essential. Investing in education, particularly for girls, has proven to correlate with lower fertility rates, contributing to a gradual decrease in population growth.
  • Access to Family Planning Services : Education is crucial for educating people, especially women, about family planning, reproductive health, and the repercussions of overpopulation.

2. Sustainable Development

  • Renewable Energy and Resource Management : Embracing renewable energy sources and implementing efficient resource management strategies can alleviate resource strain. This includes investing in renewable energy technologies, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and managing water resources effectively.
  • Eco-friendly Technologies : Encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly technologies across industries can minimize environmental degradation. Innovations in waste management, cleaner production processes, and green infrastructure are critical in reducing the ecological footprint of human activities.

3. Government Policies

  • Population Control Measures : Governments can implement policies that promote responsible family planning, such as incentives for smaller families, awareness campaigns, and reproductive health services. Additionally, policies that support women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment contribute to lower birth rates.
  • Economic Incentives for Sustainable Practices : Governments can introduce economic incentives for businesses and individuals adopting sustainable practices. Tax breaks, subsidies, and investment in green technologies encourage a shift toward environmentally friendly choices.

Case Study: China’s One-Child Policy

China’s population boom in the late 20th century sparked worries about resource shortages and long-term economic viability. In response to these problems, the Chinese government implemented the One-Child Policy in 1979.

Implementation

Under the One-Child Policy, most urban couples were restricted to having only one child. This policy was enforced through a combination of financial penalties, employment repercussions, and, in some cases, forced sterilizations. While the policy faced criticism for its strict measures and human rights concerns, it significantly impacted population growth.

The One-Child Policy successfully curbed China’s population growth. From 1980 to 2015, China’s population growth rate dropped from 1.2% to 0.5% . The policy prevented an estimated 400 million births. The aging population, gender inequality brought on by the cultural desire for male children, and societal problems brought on by the compulsory implementation were among the unanticipated results that drew criticism for the program.

Revisions and Abandonment

Recognizing the challenges and social implications, the Chinese government gradually relaxed the policy in the late 20th century. In 2015, the policy was officially replaced with a two-child policy, and in 2016, the government allowed all couples to have two children.

Lessons Learned

The One-Child Policy in China serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to weigh population control strategies’ long- and short-term effects. While the policy effectively addressed immediate concerns, its rigid implementation led to unintended social and demographic challenges. This case study emphasizes the need for a balanced and adaptable approach considering population management’s cultural, ethical, and social dimensions.

Current Status

Even after the abandonment of the One-Child Policy, China continues to grapple with demographic challenges, including an aging population and gender imbalances. The experience offers valuable insights into the complexities of implementing population control measures and underscores the importance of a comprehensive and flexible approach.

Future Outlook

Several key elements shape the future outlook:

  • Projected Population Growth: As we project into the future, population estimates vary, but most agree that the world’s population will continue to grow. By 2050, estimates suggest a global population nearing 10 billion people. This growth trajectory will significantly impact global resource demands, environmental stability, and socio-economic structures.
  • Resource Strain and Environmental Impact: The strain on resources will intensify with a burgeoning population. From food and water scarcity to increased energy demands and heightened pressure on ecosystems, overpopulation will exacerbate environmental degradation and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires immediate action and innovative solutions.
  • Technological Innovations and Sustainable Practices: The future outlook is not bleak. Advancements in technology offer promising solutions. From sustainable energy sources to innovations in agriculture and waste management, technological advances provide avenues for mitigating the impacts of overpopulation. Embracing eco-friendly practices and renewable technologies will be crucial for a sustainable future.
  • Socio-economic Transformations: Overpopulation will continue to influence socio-economic landscapes. It will shape job markets, healthcare systems, urban planning, and social services. Governments and societies must adapt policies and structures to accommodate the changing demographics and address inequalities exacerbated by population pressures.
  • Global Collaboration and Responsibility: The future hinges on global cooperation. Overcoming the challenges of overpopulation requires collaborative efforts among nations, organizations, and individuals. Initiatives focused on education, equitable resource distribution, and sustainable development must be globally embraced and supported.
  • Ethical Considerations and Human Rights: Balancing population control measures with ethical considerations and human rights remains paramount. Upholding individual autonomy while addressing the collective challenge of overpopulation necessitates respectful, inclusive, and rights-based approaches.
  • Urgency of Action: The urgency to act cannot be overstated. Delayed action will exacerbate the challenges posed by overpopulation, magnifying its impact on future generations. Immediate steps toward sustainable practices, population education, and policy adaptations are imperative.

Overpopulation is a formidable global challenge, intricately weaving its impact through health and education. Urgent action necessitates comprehensive strategies to address overcrowded living conditions, strained healthcare systems, and compromised educational opportunities. As we navigate these complexities, fostering sustainable development requires a shared commitment to equitable access, robust healthcare infrastructure, and educational reforms. Only through concerted efforts can we pave the way for a balanced future where individuals thrive, societies prosper, and the shadows of overpopulation recede.

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IELTS Essay, topic: Overpopulation

  • IELTS Essays - Band 6
  • by Simone Braverman

The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population, which is causing problems not only for poor, undeveloped countries, but also for industrialized and developed nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution. You should write at least 250 words. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Nowadays, the population dramatically in most countries around the world. This is true for the developed and developing nations. Overpopulation a different number of problems. However, the government can these problems in many .

overpopulation problems essay

There are different problems that overpopulation causes in rich nations. Firstly, it is very difficult for governments to provide helpful public services in overcrowded cities. Moreover, there is generally a higher level of crimes being committed, such as drugs abuse, murders, thefts, . often cause by the high rates of unemployment.

However, overpopulation problems in nations have two main which they are by governments. Firstly, the government must educate people about limiting the size of the family. For example, in China they have a policy called “one child policy” which limits the size of the family to one or two children, and this is beginning to have an effect on the world’s most crowded nation.

To sum up, if the impulsive population increase continues, many more people will die of hunger in the poor countries. Also, in rich nations, the life in the cities will become more and more difficult.

This essay covers the task and has a good content. However there are several areas to improve. The grammar needs more attention (see comments underlined in blue). In the first paragraph, the last sentence has instances of repetition of solve and solution, you could say instead “can find many solutions to those problems”. In the third paragraph, the last sentence has poor structure and looks unfinished. Overall, this looks like a Band 6 – 6.5 essay.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of band 6

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2 thoughts on “IELTS Essay, topic: Overpopulation”

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In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this

Travelling unprecedented states after completing high school predominantly, crutches young people on acquiring knowledge and experience.When young people gain knowledge, it does favour for them in upcoming curriculum.Beside this, visiting in other countries assist young people for dealing with the lifestyles and cultures of others.To cite an instance,last year me and my friend had visited African countries resulting in, being familiar with african lifestyles.This not only, wides the knowledge and skill but also, contributes massively in freshing our minds and providing pleasure.

On the other hand,while travelling other countries,it rises some sort of cons. Initially,it mesmarises young people toward those countries. Nevertheless, going other places have a major obligation in gaining knowledge,it could fascinate young people in those countries.For example,young people of developing countries are migrating day by day in western lands in sue of better life styles and accommodations.More importantantly, this scenario is leading in shortage of manpower in native province.Therefore, day by day it is fabricating huge scarcity of skill human resources in developing nations.

In a gist, it is optimal for visiting other countries during vacation but, it is awful in shifting towards those countries.In my opinion, young people should not lure those countries in shake of better life.

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Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

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Essay on Overpopulation in 500 Words

overpopulation problems essay

  • Updated on  
  • Dec 28, 2023

Essay On Overpopulation

Essay on Overpopulation: Today, there are a total of 8.1 billion people in the world. This is a result of overpopulation and studies suggest that in the next 25 years, this number will reach 10 billion. This is overpopulation or overabundance, where our environment cannot offer resources to such large amounts of people. Overpopulation is not limited to humans only. It can be of any species living in a particular habitat. 

India, China, and the USA are the three most populated countries in the world, which account for a total of 40% of the global population. Population plays a major role in a country’s development. However, if there is overpopulation, it will hamper developmental activities and there will be fewer resources available. This will eventually lead to higher food prices, making survival difficult for everyone.

Also Read: World Population Day 2023

Also Read: Essay on India of My Dreams

Causes of Overpopulation

There are various causes of overpopulation, such as lack of education, high birth rates, primitive medical facilities, illiteracy, lack of employment opportunities, etc. Most of these factors are prevalent in developing and underdeveloped countries. 

High birth rates contribute significantly to overpopulation. Factors such as lack of access to family planning, cultural norms, and a high infant mortality rate can encourage families to have more children.

Lack of education and poverty lead to higher population growth. People belonging to communities where education is limited, are not aware of or have access to family planning methods.

In many places, cultural and religious beliefs influence reproductive choices. Some families have several children, which is part of their social norm or is encouraged by religious teachings.

Another major cause of overpopulation is migration. People move to areas with better economic prospects, leading to population density issues in those regions.

Also Read: Essay on Education

Also Read: Essay on New Education in 500 Words

Consequences of Overpopulation

In one way or another, all the problems the world is facing today are related to overpopulation. Say it war, overuse of resources, slow developmental activities, carbon emission, global warming, etc. 

Natural resources are depleting at a faster rate than ever. As the population increases, the demand for food and energy resources also increases. Overpopulation contributes to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and other environmental issues. 

As humans, we need houses, which are established by cutting down forests and other natural resources. This results in a loss of biodiversity. Rapid urbanization causes problems such as inadequate housing, insufficient infrastructure, traffic congestion, and increased pollution in urban areas. 

A rapidly growing population can outstrip job opportunities, resulting in high levels of unemployment. This can lead to social unrest and economic instability.

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

The overpopulation myth ~ Make babies, not war 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3JaLbDbHd2 — Oddvin (@enterfx) December 16, 2023

How to Deal With Overpopulation

Educating people about the causes and effects of overpopulation is one of the best ways to deal with overpopulation. Studies show that people who have access to proper medical and healthcare facilities have better family planning measures. 

Promoting and educating women and girls about reproduction is very important. Educated women tend to have fewer children and this will make them socially and economically more empowered. Encouraging women to participate in the workforce and decision-making processes can be another way to deal with overpopulation. 

Offering job opportunities and promoting green sustainable development will allow people to understand the effects of overpopulation on the environment. 

The world is our home and we are its protector. Overpopulation is putting a lot of strain on the natural environment, and it needs to be addressed in a civilised way. We need to make sure there is enough for everyone and that we are fulfilling our duty to Mother Nature.

Ans: The major causes of overpopulation are high birth rate, lack of education and illiteracy, poverty, cultural and religious beliefs, etc.

Ans: Some of the least populated countries are Iceland, Suriname, Mongolia, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Palau.

Ans: Overpopulation is a phenomenon where a particular species exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment. The global population has increased by 1.2 billion in the last 20 years. This was the biggest population boom, putting a heavy strain on the natural environment. Overpopulation is majorly caused in developing countries, because of factors like lack of education and illiteracy, higher birth rates, poverty, etc. Proper government actions are required to address overpopulation, such as educational and family planning programs, women empowerment, job opportunities, etc.

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Essay on Overpopulation Problems

Students are often asked to write an essay on Overpopulation Problems in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Overpopulation Problems

What is overpopulation.

Overpopulation happens when there are too many people and not enough resources like food, water, and space. Imagine a classroom that is meant for 30 students but has 60 instead. It gets crowded, right? That’s how Earth feels with overpopulation.

Strain on Nature

With too many people, nature suffers. Forests get cut down for homes, animals lose their habitats, and rivers dry up. This means less fresh air, fewer animals, and not enough water for everyone.

Running Out of Food

More people mean we need more food. But there’s only so much land to grow crops and raise animals. This can lead to hunger because there isn’t enough food to go around.

Hard Life in Cities

Cities get too crowded when there are too many people. Roads become jammed with cars, houses are packed, and it’s harder to find jobs. Life becomes tough for everyone, especially for kids.

What Can We Do?

250 words essay on overpopulation problems.

Overpopulation is when there are too many people in one place. This can cause lots of problems because there might not be enough things like food, water, and space for everyone. Imagine a classroom that is meant for 30 students but has 50 instead. It would be crowded, right? That’s how overpopulation feels.

Why Overpopulation is a Problem

Firstly, when there are too many people, there might not be enough food to go around. This can make people hungry and unhealthy. Secondly, finding a place to live can be hard. Too many people in a city can mean not enough homes, which can lead to people living in tight spaces or not having a home at all. Thirdly, too many people can hurt our planet. More people means more trash and pollution, which can make the air and water dirty.

How Does Overpopulation Happen?

Overpopulation happens when more people are born than the number of people who die. Sometimes, it’s because people live longer due to better medicine. Other times, it’s because families have lots of children. Also, if a lot of people move to the same place all at once, that place can become overpopulated.

To fix overpopulation, countries can educate people about family planning. This means teaching them how to plan for smaller families. Governments can also make sure there are enough jobs, houses, and food for everyone. It’s important to take care of our planet by recycling and keeping our environment clean.

Overpopulation is a big challenge, but by working together and being smart about how we live, we can solve it.

500 Words Essay on Overpopulation Problems

Why is overpopulation a problem.

When there are too many people, it can cause a lot of problems. Let’s look at some of these issues.

Not Enough Food

One big problem is that there might not be enough food for everyone. Farmers work hard to grow food, but when there are too many people, there may not be enough to go around. This can make people hungry and can even cause them to get sick because they’re not eating enough healthy food.

Running Out of Space

More trash and pollution.

More people means more trash. Think about all the wrappers, paper, and other waste we throw away every day. When there are more people, there’s more trash, and it can be hard to keep our cities and nature clean. Pollution from cars and factories can also get worse, which is bad for the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Harder to Find Jobs

When there are too many people, it can be harder for adults to find jobs. This is because there are more people looking for work than there are jobs available. This can make it tough for families to earn money and buy the things they need.

Using Up Resources

It’s important to think about solutions to overpopulation. Families can choose to have fewer children. Governments can help by making sure people have access to education and healthcare. By learning and understanding more about the problem, we can all help take care of our planet and make sure there’s enough for everyone, now and in the future.

Remember, every person can make a difference. By taking care of the environment, being thoughtful about resources, and helping to spread the word, kids and adults alike can work together to solve the problems caused by overpopulation. It’s all about being smart with what we have and thinking about the future.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Overpopulation - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Overpopulation occurs when the number of people living in a certain area exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment. Essays could delve into the causes and effects of overpopulation, its impact on resource scarcity and environmental degradation, or the policies and strategies for managing population growth. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Overpopulation you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Overpopulation – Global Issue

Overpopulation is becoming a global issue because over the years we have created more lives than resources. there will not be enough food for everyone.7 billion people on Earth now,and roughly one in eight of us don't have enough to eat(Dimick, 2014). The population will keep on getting bigger by the time and we will have to be prepared to struggle or see others struggle. People have different opinions about populations like some say the population is getting bigger by […]

Overpopulation in the World

Introduction The current world population stands 7.6 billion as per the United Nations Statistics, while the human population is projected to clock 10.5 billion in the year 2040 and 12 billion by the year 2050. The current human population growth rate per year 70 million. China has got the highest number of people per unit area, with the total population being 1.2 billion. The African continent has reached the highest population growth rate, which is 6 percent while the lowest […]

World Population Growth

The human population in the world has been growing a an extremely fast rate, but with a growing rate of population, comes with it a potentially fatal problem: overpopulation. Overpopulation is when the environment, or in this case Earth, can no longer support a species due to it not having a sufficient amount of resources to handle the population. While overpopulation is always ultimately going to be a problem, the real issue is when overpopulation is really starting. There are […]

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How Big of a Problem is Overpopulation?

Overpopulation has become a much larger and larger problem as the years go on. There are many causes for overpopulation such as a decline in death, improved medical facilities and immigration. Some of these problems that come with overpopulation are increase of wars, increased global warming, the depletion of natural resources and much more. Some of the reasons why overpopulation has become a problem due to how the discrepancies in the birth rate to death rate. There are many more […]

Overpopulation Effects on Health and the Environment

Overpopulation effects all other aspects of our health and the environment in which we live. There has been more human-caused environmental disgrace in the last few thousands years than ever before, and with the population increasing five times its size in the last 300 years it is no wonder overpopulation has such a staggering impact in all areas of our health. Chronic disease is directly impacted by overpopulation. With the advancement we have in our medicine today compared with past […]

It has to a Boy: Another Dimension of over Population

First of all, we would like to thank our Allah Almighty who made us capable to put our efforts in the project. In performing our assignment, we had to take the help and guideline of some respected persons, who deserve our greatest gratitude and respect. The completion of this assignment gives us much Pleasure. We would like to show our gratitude to our course instructor Ma’am Sana Ashraf Chatha, for giving us a guideline for assignment throughout numerous consultations. We would also […]

Overpopulation in World

The world today has a total population of 7.6 billion people, inhabiting 195 countries and 7 different continents. As of 2018 there have been no issues regarding overpopulating the planet, but this subject worries many scientists and scholars. The rapid increase in population is the main concern, the projected population in 2050 is estimated to be 10 billion people (John C Caldwell). No one knows when overpopulation is going to happen, but the scary part is not knowing what happens […]

Overpopulation and its Effects on Human

Approximately 200 years ago, the total population of the Earth was less than one billion. According to the UN, as of 2017 the human population has reached a staggering 7.7 billion. (UN, 2015) Between 1900 and 2000, humanity saw a dramatic increase in its population from 1.5 to 6.1 billion. As the global population continues to balloon, one major issue that is looming overhead the human species is overpopulation. By 2050 the world population will reach to 10 billion people; […]

Overpopulation: not what you Think

Overpopulation, a word plastered on every headline and sowed into our very vocabulary. A word that brings fear, uncertainty and concerns to those who hear and/or read it, but why? How does this one word hold so much power? The very meaning of the word is how the number of existing humans exceeds the capacity of the Earth and in the recent centuries, that number has skyrocketed. Overpopulation is not something that humanity can sweep under the rug but it […]

Overpopulation: the Underrecognized Epidemic.

According to “How Many People Can Our World Support?” an article from World Population History, for the first time in human history, the number of people who go to bed hungry is more than one billion (“How Many”). Overpopulation is an underrecognized epidemic. An Epidemic that is leading to overwhelming amounts of preventable humanitarian and political issues and at the end of the day our earth cannot continue to support it. Our planet is now over seven billion people, and […]

Overpopulation and Climate Change

In the article Overpopulation and Climate Change Arthur H. Westing tells us that the in 1970, the greenhouse gas emission was beyond the sustainability level of the atmosphere and at that time the worlds population was 3.7 million and today it is 6.9 million. In the mean time emission from fossil fuel increased from 14 billion tons to 29 billion tons. Despite the growing awareness of climate change. In the article, Arthur H. Westing gives us the idea to divide […]

Overpopulation in US Prisons: a Result of Punishing Nonviolent Offenders

Releasing prisoners is never a good thing, right? Due to the over abundance of US incarcerations for several reasons, over 18 state prisons are overpopulated. Thus causing several major issues within the prison, the communities around and the overall justice system in the United States. Reforms should be brought to the government to solve the insane amount of incarcerations for non violent offenders which populate our prisons by 41%. It is an act that is necessary in order to solve […]

Overpopulation in Asia: Manila

Manila is the thriving capital of the Republic of the Philippines. It's also the densest city on Earth. However, just because Manila is extremely dense doesn't mean the whole country is overpopulated- but what effects are felt from the overpopulation of cities like Manila, and to the country as a whole? How did this city/country get so dense in the first place? And what can we do about it?One effect of the overpopulation in the Philippines is the enormous trade […]

The United States: Future Contributions to Overpopulation

The Earth currently holds 7.53 billion humans. The maximum supporting capacity of the Earth is estimated to be 9-10 billion. According to the United Nations Population Division, the human population will hit 9 billion by 2050, and 10 billion by 2100 (Wolchover, 2011). As one of the most powerful, knowledgeable, and resourceful countries in the world, the United States is on track to provide medical advancements that will contribute to overpopulation. Advancements such as the development of positive eugenics and […]

Overpopulation Hoax or True Concern

As a society, we live our lives day by day worrying about small things that might not matter focusing on wanting more and more as the days go by. Yet we never stop for a moment to think about the planet. The place that lets us create life and breathe in all the beautiful things that it provides for us. Letting us make a home surrounded by the people we love and things we desire. Now if we take a […]

Urbanization: the Transformation of Human Habitats

Urbanization isn't just about more folks moving to cities; it's a whole transformation that changes how we live, work, and connect. Let's break it down. Back in the day, urbanization kicked off big-time during the Industrial Revolution. People left farms for cities with promises of jobs and a better life. Factories were like magnets pulling folks in from the countryside. This trend hasn't slowed down—it's actually sped up, making cities the heart of where we live now. Money matters here. […]

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Essay About Overpopulation We have heard it all that every mammal on Earth instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding around him but the same doesn’t happen with a human. All they know is how to keep multiplying from one area to another. I came across this interesting topic from BBC and as I read more the more, I realized that Human Overpopulation is one of the biggest global issues we are facing at present. It is not only an environmental issue but also associated with the social and economic sustainability aspect. With increased pressure on our planet, we don’t realize the problems we are facing related to the scarcity of natural resources, high-low consumption fluctuations, fertility rates, poverty, global climate change, women rights, gender equality, lack of education and changing technology policy. It is predicted that the planet will have a growth in population by the end of the century which is estimated to be 11 billion. So, the question arises with this much higher population growth will it be possible to live on the planet or some ramifications will be added to sustainability in the long-term? Social Problems Overcrowding of humans on the planet can have some serious social problem to demonstrate some they are: Fertility rates The fertility rate among many nations is decreasing the reason being women end up aborting the babies at a very young age and in a later part of their life it becomes difficult to become pregnant. Also, there is high access to contraception’s in many countries due to this babies don’t end up living. For instance, if we take China’s example the country has the largest population in the world but it is facing the fertility rate issue reason being out of 100 children 60% are boys and rest 40% are girls’ and the reason for this discrimination is they do the gender detect and once they know it’s a girl they end up aborting the baby girl. They are also moving away from one child policy and encouraging adults to have the second baby. Women Rights One of the main suffering areas is when women are not treated well in society as compared to a man. Even in many developed countries, women are paid less than men, they face violence, abuse, and racial discrimination. As there are no rights given to women there comes a fall in education and fertility rates. Poverty Overpopulation is directly linked to poverty which is another very big social issue. There is a lack of education, a decline in the standard of living and poor contraception methods. Also, it was highlighted in class that the global population may not peak this century’’ which is actually doubtful. Now the question arises how will the status of women affect the overpopulation concern? Positive social aspects Education Education plays a very important role in society dealing with the overpopulation problem. It is simple with education there is more knowledge of having fewer kids, less child mortality and understanding the latest technology. With education, the fertility rates will decline. Since with the proper education poverty can also be curbed. This addresses to our SDGs Goal 1 – “NO POVERTY’’ and Goal 4- “QUALITY EDUCATION’’ Gender Equality Giving women equal rights will not only raise the standard in society but also women can generate employment opportunities. Gender Equality correlates with self-protection from diseases, birth control, and better child care. This addresses to our SDGs Goal 5- ” GENDER EQUALITY” These SDG goals in social aspect is to remove poverty, provide quality education and Gender Equality by 2030. Environmental Problems The relationship between a growing population and environmental implications is interlinked and very complex. In the class also it was mentioned about the ‘’environment stress continues to intensify’’ which is disastrous for all of us sharing the same planet. Global warming As there are more people there is a high demand for fossil fuels, oil, mines, and coal when burned there is high emission of CO2 in the atmosphere to trap warm air like greenhouse gases. Mostly the consumption of fossil fuel in developed nations is much higher than in developing nations. Deforestation is another component in greenhouse gases. When the trees are cut or burned approximately 25% CO2 of total greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere making the air toxic to breathe. It was highlighted in class that ‘’ Three years of flat global emissions ended in 2017 as rates jumped by 2% and the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increased by the largest amount since measurements began. This basically means the CO2 has increased in the atmosphere and this will impact climate changes which will have an adverse effect on our planet. This can be addressed with the SDGs Goal 13- “CLIMATE ACTION’’ and also it is necessary to take urgent actions to combat climate change. Farming impacts Agriculture is solely responsible for deforestation across the globe. Intensive farming to create new farmlands has a negative outcome. As intensive farming increases there are chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in crops and this can cause soil erosion. Water pollution Water pollution is not only a huge concern for humans but also for other natural habitat. Due to the high wattage of plastics, toxic chemicals that enter the oceans we are losing the most valuable resource of our planet. Even though we know that we don’t have sufficient water supply in many countries then also we don’t take action against any damage to water resources. This addresses to Goal 6- “CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION’’ and the target by 2030, is to have access to clean water is affordable across the globe. Now the question arises, is it possible to reverse climate change and prevent global warming? Let’s find out in our next learning. Environmental solution Sustainable Infrastructure In order to lessen the emission of CO2 from buildings, it is important to renovate the old buildings. This plan will not only reduce infrastructure cost but also a long-term economic analysis of infrastructure. Clearly, sustainable infrastructure improves socio-economic factors like environmental degradation, energy and renewable conservation and remedy to protect soil from soil erosion. Economic Implications When there is an increasing rise in the population then it is definitely not good for economic development. Reduction in the rate of capital A huge population reduces the per capita availability of capital in underdeveloped and developing countries. Due to the rapid growth of the population, there is a decline in the availability of capital per labor which means there is low productivity. In developing nations, the population is determined to increase the rate of capital. This means since most people are dependent on others all they do is only consume and do not produce anything. Whereas, in developed nations, overpopulation shortens the availability capita per person for which there is a decline in labor. Their income reduces which indirectly affects capital formation. Reduction in unemployment Unemployment results in too many people having very few jobs. To be more descriptive, overpopulation leads to unemployment. For instance, there are two workers one is highly qualified and the other is not so qualified but the not so qualified candidate does not mind working at less pay. This means there will be tougher competition for a job employer would hire a person with minimum wage demand. This addresses to SDGs Goal 8- GOOD JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH’’ by 2020 it is a global strategy to provide jobs to youth and take immediate action against forced labor. To conclude undertaking from this article, I have learned that Overpopulation is one of the major problems in humanity. Overpopulation affects natural resources, poverty, pollution, global warming and the wellness of a person. More than 7.3 people are on this planet and it's not easy to solve social, economic and environmental problems. But to gain a sustainable future in which everyone has a good standard of living we all need to come together and take efforts to tackle such a global issue. Recommendations

The government must increase the age of marriage in some specific countries and should put a complete stop to child marriage. Population factor has a significant impact on the attainment of development objectives, international strategies should be taken into consideration as there is an interrelation between the resources, environment, population, and growth. Health improvement programs should be taken up by the government for the masses as health plays an important role in the growth of a country.

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Yes, (Over)Population IS a Problem!

Alan Ware , Dave Gardner | November 15, 2018 | Leave a Comment Download as PDF

overpopulation problems essay

Photo illustration courtesy of World Population Balance

In July,  Resilience.org  published an opinion piece by Chris Smaje titled Population: What’s the Problem?  As sustainable population advocates, we at World Population Balance thought we should help the author answer that question. We felt it essential to point out several reasons why population – and specifically overpopulation – is a  huge  problem if we hope to build a sustainable future. We have a lot of respect for the Post Carbon Institute’s work, including the content published at  Resilience.org . Unfortunately, the editors at  Resilience.org  declined to publish our response. We offer it here and thank MAHB for its dedication to informed debate.

Smaje apologizes at the outset for the “clickbait-y title” and “doesn’t doubt” that population levels are a problem. And Smaje notes that “it would be a good thing if human population was lower than it is.” We and many other population-concerned people around the world would argue that it’s not just a “good” thing. It’s an essential thing if we hope to have a viable ecological habitat for us humans and other species for the long-term. Smaje asks what “kind of problem” these population levels are. We’d respond that current human numbers are an existential kind of problem, and the evidence keeps piling up.

Twenty thousand scientists from around the world have now signed the World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice , issued in 2017 . This Second Warning comes 25 years after the 1992 World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity in which they called for stabilizing global population. Since 1992, we’ve added another 2 billion passengers to the planet while further depleting resources and polluting the planet.

In the Second Notice the scientists caution that “We are jeopardizing our future by not reining in our intense but geographically and demographically uneven material consumption and by not perceiving continued rapid population growth as a primary driver behind many ecological and even societal threats [ italics ours].” The scientists note that one of the main actions we can take as individuals includes “limiting our own reproduction.”

Twenty thousand scientists aren’t the only experts issuing existential warnings to humanity. The Global Footprint Network, whose Earth Overshoot Day fell on the earliest-ever date of August 1 st in 2018, has concluded we’re consuming the renewable resources of 1.7 Earths – a 70% overshoot.

The facts of our overshoot should cause alarm. The 20,000+ scientists who signed the Second Warning are alarmed. The Global Footprint Network is alarmed. The World Wildlife Fund – which estimates that mammal, bird, amphibian, and reptile numbers have been halved since 1970 – is alarmed. And behind the sounding of all these ecological alarm bells lies the fact that global population has more than doubled since 1970. And we’re still increasing human passengers on the planet by over 220,000 per day – about 80 million per year.

It is true, as Smaje notes, that many contemporary problems such as plastics in the ocean should be dealt with – regardless of whether sustainable population is achieved. But growing population and consumption are the ultimate causes that make many current problems worse and build ever-larger problems for the future. A declining population would provide enormous leverage in addressing the major problems of our age – topsoil and groundwater depletion, species loss, deforestation, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and climate change. In fact, most of these problems will not be solved as long as human population remains far above a sustainable level.

In one critical area of concern, climate change, it’s clear that population numbers – especially in richer, developed countries – are critical. A 2017 study from Lund University in Sweden found that an individual having one fewer child in a developed country would reduce their carbon emissions over 7 times the level of several other “green” actions combined: including living car-free, avoiding airplane travel, buying green energy, and eating a plant-based diet.

Species loss and animal population declines show that high levels of human population do not, as Smaje states, “lurk somewhere behind the numerous environmental crises of our age.”  Instead, hiding in plain sight, human numbers expanding by an additional 80 million per year are destroying animal habitat to expand cropland, pastureland, and cities. The UN estimates that by 2050 we’ll have to increase food production 60% over 2009 levels in order to meet the demands of our swelling population. Assuming such a huge increase in food production is even possible , the attempt will surely mean the destruction of more farmland, creation of more ocean dead zones, depletion of more aquifers, and further disruption of the climate.

Smaje claims as fact that it’s what populations do that matters most. We certainly agree that what populations do matters, but if what we’re doing is a problem, then the number of us doing it compounds the problem.

And the sad fact is that we’re very stubborn about changing what we do. We’ve so far NOT demonstrated a willingness to consume less and reject the worship of economic growth in the interest of stabilizing the climate or preventing further destruction of ecosystems. This doesn’t mean we should give up on this solution. But it also doesn’t mean we should ignore a solution we HAVE demonstrated a willingness to do – choosing smaller families.

There’s evidence that for all 7.6 billion of us to live a life we consider “decent” and “dignified,” the level of consumption required far exceeds most of the ecological “planetary boundaries” that many scientists believe should not be crossed if we hope to stick around for a while. The University of Leeds study, A Good Life for All Within Planetary Boundaries , concluded that not a single nation is currently delivering a high standard of living to their populace while staying within all nine planetary boundaries. Globally, we’re currently exceeding four of the nine identified boundaries: climate change, loss of biosphere integrity, land-system change, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff.

The researchers conclude that elements of a “good life” that most of us in developed countries consider basic such as secondary education, decent health care, and democratic forms of governance are associated with consumption 2 to 6 times greater than a sustainable level at our current global population. The fact is, as billions of people strive to live the “good life” they deserve, they will consume much more.  For all of us to enjoy the basics of the “good life” without also trashing the planet, there needs to be far fewer of us humans on the planet.

This is surprisingly within our reach. An average family size of one-child per couple for 100 years could lead to what some experts posit as a sustainable population of around 2 billion people living at a European standard of living. Even an average of 1.5 children per family could, in 100 years, lead to a population smaller than today’s – instead of the 47% growth to over 11 billion projected by the UN.

Our goal should be smaller families in countries all over the planet – rich and poor alike. Rich families consume the most, and poorer families are rightly aspiring to consume more. And neither rich nor poor seem willing to voluntarily and dramatically lower consumption.

As Smaje notes, most of the world has had fantastic success at lowering birth rates over the past 50 years. The world’s average family size has fallen from about 5 in the 1960’s to around 2.45 children today. And, as Smaje rightly notes, the globe has achieved this fall in fertility voluntarily . He rightly asks, “what realistic policy measures… could have been implemented over the last fifty years that could have improved on this 50% fertility decline?”

And we answer that we could have had fertility reduction campaigns in place in every nation. Countries such as Thailand and Iran achieved dramatic fertility rate reductions in a short time using multi-faceted, coordinated, and socially just campaigns designed to encourage smaller families. Had we embarked on such a path fifty years ago, how much less plastic would we have in the oceans today? Might CO2 in our atmosphere still be below 350 ppm?

We can still do this. Better late than never. We can continue on this fertility rate reduction course, and even accelerate it, without disrespecting human rights. The only “population control” we need is awareness, public commitment, and self control. The good news is there are many ways of helping people voluntarily choose smaller families: more widespread contraceptive availability and education of girls are two tried and true pathways of lowering birth rates. But for more of this to happen, we need to acknowledge the problem: that our huge and growing human numbers are unsustainable.

Smaje parrots conventional economists when he refers to the social problems coming to many countries this century that will be facing “demographic collapse.” Is he arguing for us to stabilize our population at today’s totally unsustainable level of 7.6 billion? While it’s true that some countries will be facing some social and economic problems due to declining population, those challenges can be managed. They are minor compared to the challenge of meeting the needs of over 11 billion people without extinguishing other species, irreparably damaging the Earth’s life-supporting ecosystems, and rendering the climate inhospitable if not downright uninhabitable.

Smaje states that “the problem isn’t really ‘population’…‘capitalism’ gets a bit closer to the mark, perhaps.” We certainly agree that it’s essential to begin transitioning to an economic system that’s ecologically sound. Alternative economic systems could help us better differentiate needs and basic requirements of human flourishing from wants and superfluous status-seeking consumption. We must go there. But let’s not forget that living a decent life – whether done under a capitalist system or an ecologically-enlightened system – requires some consumption of resources and production of wastes. Our numbers do matter. We must find a reasonable balance – between our lifestyles and the number of lives – that will leave future generations a planet worth inheriting.

Choosing to have a smaller family is a decision many people can make right now that has huge benefits to the planet. We don’t have to wait for policymakers to do something. Changing an entire economic system is going to take some time. History shows that we’ve had much more success in voluntarily reducing family size than we have in voluntarily reducing consumption. Throughout the long sweep of history – so far – dramatic reductions in peoples’ consumption has happened only in voluntarily – in times of economic depression or war.

We believe you can promote smaller families and deal with environmental impacts “directly” as Smaje suggests. In fact, the biggest problem we have with his commentary is his notion that we have to choose – that we have to prioritize either reducing each individual’s consumption or reducing the number of individuals doing the consuming. We don’t have to choose just one. We can do both. The 20,000+ scientists who signed the second Warning to Humanity certainly think we can. And, for the sake of a habitable planet and sustainable human civilization, we must.

Alan Ware is Research Associate and Dave Gardner is Executive Director at World Population Balance . Hear their roundtable discussion of this topic on episode 18 of The Overpopulation Podcast .

The MAHB Blog is a venture of the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and the Biosphere. Questions should be directed to   [email protected]

The Issue of the Overpopulation Essay

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The issue of overpopulation is getting more heated nowadays. The planet is not able to sustain the ever-growing population. Considering those problems, specialists from varied fields of science have engaged in an active debate regarding fertility control. The following paper aims at observing the key arguments for and against the position “the world would be better off with fewer people”.

Addressing the key arguments for the position “the world would be better off with fewer people”, it important to note that they are integrated around the concept of scarcity. Particularly, the proponents of fertility control support their position by the fact that the degrading environment is no longer able to provide for the needs of so many people, and with the duration of time and increase of the population, the problem will become much worse.

Next, they state that without interference into the state of affairs with the environment, people may even lose their habitat and thus, the planet will not be able to support life at all. Another argument is that the size of the population is not the only problem since its structure is also of great importance. This means that the countries with a growing population face social problems because their governments are not able to provide economical and political security to their citizens (Parker, Seager & Lind, 2009).

Further, the key arguments against the position“the world would be better off with fewer people” are based on the idea of more efficient distribution of resources and “technological improvement” in the developing courtiers (Parker et al., 2009, para 28). The opponents of population control state that technology is able to solve the problem of scarcity and environmental pollution. Furthermore, they quote the opinions of scientists who present the data demonstrating demographic development and the number of people the planet is capable of sustaining. Based on the findings of those specialists, the opponents of population control state that the planet is able to provide for the larger population.

In addition, people supporting this position argue that poor countries have appeared in such a situation, not because of the size of their population, but because “they lack some combination of modern technology, efficient economic systems (including public agencies as well as markets), equitable distribution of wealth and constitutional and accountable government” (Parker et al., 2009, para 34). Finally, those who oppose fertility control make an emphasis on the ethical and moral implications of the issue.

Speaking about my own position on the issue, it is necessary to note that I tend to support the proponents of population control. Scarcity is an important variable that should be taken into account when important decisions regarding the future of humanity are made. People should understand that resources are limited including clean water, food, fuel, etc., and for that reason, family planning is the only way to improve the situation. No one would want to see their children starving, being unemployed, and having no meaningful purpose in their life. Similarly, no honest person would want to see one’s fellow humans in such a situation. Therefore, the time has come to interfere into the family planning matters just the same as they did in China.

In conclusion, since the resources of the planet are getting more and more limited, humanity must develop a strategy that will improve the situation. Definitely, the opponents of population control have some strong arguments to support their position, but the facts of reality demonstrate that mandatory family planning has become necessary.

Parker, J., Seager, J, & Lind, M. (2009). Too many people? Web.

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Overpopulation in World Essay in English for Children and Students

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Overpopulation refers to a situation where the number of humans in a particular place becomes more than the carrying capacity of that particular place. In a broader perspective the term overpopulation is also used for planet earth, because of the incessant rise in human population.

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There are various factors responsible for overpopulation like – low mortality rate; better public amenities; availability of food and habitat etc. A few social factors like illiteracy, poverty and no family planning are also responsible for overpopulation in developing or underdeveloped nations.

Long and Short Essay on Overpopulation in World in English

Below we have provided long and short essay on overpopulation in world. These overpopulation in world essay have been written in simple language covering all the vital topics under the heading overpopulation.

After going through the following essays you will know the causes of overpopulation in world; causes of overpopulation in India and other developing countries; what are the social effects of overpopulation; effects of overpopulation on health; what are the solutions of overpopulation etc.

Short Essay on Overpopulation in World (200 words) – Essay 1

Overpopulation is the overcrowding of earth due to unregulated population growth of humans. There are many economical and social factors leading to overpopulation. It could result from low mortality rate, high birth rate, illiteracy, lack of family planning, large scale migration etc. Also, depletion of natural resources at one place results in overpopulation at some other place, where the resources are abundant.

An improvement in the past century in basic healthcare facilities and amenities has led to a decline in mortality rate, thus causing the population to grow consistently and is set to continue growing in to the next century.

Overpopulation, despite being a significant global issue, doesn’t get its due consideration. Still not much is being done by the world, to regulate population or to counter its effects. Overpopulation can serious hamper the growth of a nation, causing issues like – unemployment, scarcity of resources, habitat destruction and law and order problems among others.

Necessary steps must be taken to keep the world population under control, so that no place on earth gets overcrowded with humans and become scarce in vital resources, making survival difficult. Along with the mentioned effects, overpopulation also indirectly affects the environment up to large extent.

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Essay on Causes of Overpopulation in World (300 words) – Essay 2

Introduction

Overpopulation is the growing cause of concern throughout the world. It refers to an increase in population over a specific area, so much so, that the particular area becomes overcrowded, beyond its natural capacity. There are many reasons for overpopulation will we will discuss further in the essay.

Causes of Overpopulation in World

There could be various factors causing overpopulation in the world. Large scale immigration of people from one place to another because of political, communal or other issues may cause overpopulation at a particular place. People migrate to neighboring country to escape political upheaval or military conflicts on their own soil.

There is also a trend of migration from underdeveloped or developing countries to the developed nations. Mostly, labour class undertakes such migration in search of better financial opportunities. This migration however causes the population of the host nation to swell up.

Another significant factor that has been contributing to the population growth in the world is high life expectancy due to better medical facilities and development in medical science. People, today are dying less due to diseases, those had been claimed millions of lives in the past century.

Causes of Overpopulation in India and other Developing Countries

The main causes for overpopulation in India and other similar developing countries differ slightly from that of the world. Overpopulation in India is caused by factors like poverty, ignorance, lack of family planning, child labour, and reduced mortality rate, interstate immigration etc.

Poverty in India is considered to be one of the prime causes of overpopulation. Poverty leads to illiteracy and lack of awareness on issues like – contraceptive use and family planning; this, leading to a uncontrolled population growth in deprived areas.

The cause of overpopulation in the world is many and they differ from place to place. At one place migration might causing it, at another place it might have been caused due to poverty. Whatever the cause may be, we must take necessary steps to reduce overpopulation.

Essay on Effects of Overpopulation in World (400 words) – Essay 3

There are many effects of overpopulation in the world. Overpopulation in a place causes scarcity of available resources leading to deprivation and poverty. Moreover, it also causes unemployment, as the number of persons in need of a particular job, large outgrows the total number of actual vacancies. Two of the most common effects of overpopulation- social and health are discussed below.

Effects of Overpopulation in World

  • Social Effects of Overpopulation

There are a variety of social effects of overpopulation, ranging from, poverty, unemployment, poor hygienic conditions and a scarcity of resources for a community. When the population of a particular area rises beyond the destined capacity of that place, then a number of changes in the society are witnessed.

For example, if a fresh water resource is used by more people than it can sustain; then such situation often results in conflicts. People tend to fight with each other over the use of resources.

Overpopulation also leads to scarcity of food and unemployment, causing large scale poverty, hunger and poor hygiene.

  • Effects of Overpopulation on Health

Overpopulation also has an adverse effect on health of an individual, due to scarcity of food and other resources. The food and other resources, those had been available in abundance, become scarce, when the population of a place grows beyond a specific limit. Moreover, overpopulation is directly related to unemployment and latter could be directly associated to malnutrition and depleting health conditions.

Many people living in a crowded area also results in habitat destruction, reducing the quality of air and other vital parameters, resulting in poor health condition. As more people start living in an area, it becomes imperative to cut down trees and clear vegetation to make houses for them. Thus, begins the vicious cycle of materialistic growth compromising the health and fitness of humans.

People residing in populated areas are often seen living in poor health and hygienic conditions with no access to basic health amenities, clean air and clean water.

Overpopulation in area causes evident social and health effects on the individuals and the society as a whole. From poor health and hygiene conditions to natural resource depletion, unemployment and increase in criminal activities – overpopulation has a hand in all these adversities. It therefore becomes important that we take necessary remedial measures before the populations goes beyond the specified limit.

Essay on Solutions of Overpopulation in World (500 words) – Essay 4

The problem of overpopulation is grave, but as every problem has a solution, so overpopulation too has solutions; though, it may take some time before the results are evident, but the effort would be worth it. Below, the solutions for overpopulation in the world, India and other developing countries along with the government’s efforts in reducing overpopulation are discussed below.

Solutions of Overpopulation in World

Solutions to eliminate overpopulation in the world are discussed below. For the convenience of understanding, in this heading we will discuss the matter of overpopulation only in developed countries.

The main reason behind the concentration of population over a particular area in developed countries is the availability of resources and better growth opportunities. People tend to concentrate over the place where irrigation, water, electricity and other amenities are available in abundance. Necessary efforts must be made by the respective government to make the basic public amenities to the people in their native place of residence.

Any political or military conflict must be resolved quickly by the intervention of world community to prevent cross border migration and population complications at other places.

Solution of Overpopulation in India and other Developing Countries

The main causes of overpopulation in India and other countries are poverty, illiteracy and lack of basic knowledge about family planning. Majority of population in India and other developing nations, still reside in villages, where they lack basic education and other facilities than the cities.

People residing in villages still shy from talking on issues like family planning and use of contraceptives is considered a taboo. Therefore, awareness through education seems to be the only appropriate solution for a developing country like India.

People must be told about the significance of family planning and that shying away from it will only aggravate their financial crisis and reduce their social status. It is indeed more economical and practical to feed a family of four than a family of six or ten members. Also, they must be insisted to use contraceptives and that it is necessary for their family’s welfare and overall health.

What is Government doing about Overpopulation?

The government’s agenda to eliminate overpopulation include acting up on the root causes – education and health care. Despite making a number of reforms in these two sectors, the government is also making efforts to make people aware of family planning. A well trained team of doctors and paramedical staff in the primary health centers across the country are educating people about the advantages of a small family and its overall effects on the nation’s growth.

They also teach people about the use of contraceptives to eliminate the possibility of conception. The government is also distributing free contraceptives to remote locations through the PHCs.

The most important solutions to overpopulation are education and awareness of people. The more educated and aware the people are, the more remote will be the possibility of overpopulation. The government has made considerable effort towards keeping the population under control but a lot more still needed to be done.

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Long Essay on Overpopulation in World (600 words) – Essay 5

Overpopulation in the world is a global phenomenon and is more evident in developing and underdeveloped countries. Even the developed countries witness a large influx of migratory population from the developing and under developed countries. In the following essay we will discuss on the causes of overpopulation, the problems of overpopulation, state of overpopulation in India and other developing countries and the solution of overpopulation.

What Causes Overpopulation?

1) Illiteracy

Illiteracy is one of the main causes of overpopulation in any country over the world. The countries lacking on the front of education have more population growth than others.

2) Lack of Awareness

Lack of public awareness about family planning issues is one of the prime reasons for overpopulation. People are not aware of the effects of overpopulation and its effects on the society and nation. The act is in disregard to their own financial constraints.

3) Poor Health Facilities

Poor condition of basic health amenities is also a prime cause of overpopulation. Absence of a medical professional and non availability of contraceptives, leads to incessant growth in population.

Problems related to the Overpopulation

1) Resources Depletion

Overpopulation causes the depletion of resources over a particular area. As the number of people using a specific resource increases, its fast consumption results in rapid depletion. Vital resource like food and water become scarce in case of overpopulation. Even the basic health and transport facilities become rare.

2) Unemployment

Unemployment is one of the most severe consequences of overpopulation. If the number of people in an area increases beyond limit; however, the number of vacancies in different sectors, by and large remain the same, thereby increasing unemployment. Thus, unemployment becomes a significant ill effect of overpopulation.

Poverty is the next consequence of unemployment caused by overpopulation. However, poverty is also related to scarcity resources and basic amenities of health and education, caused by overpopulation. A crowded place will always have poor employment opportunities, leading to poverty. It is considered as one of the most prominent consequences of population explosion, by the economists of the world.

4) Poor Law and Order

Factors like poverty, unemployment, depletion of natural resources result in poor law and order condition. People fight with each other over vital resources like water and food. Unemployment leads to poverty forcing people to take up illegal professions of robbery and theft, to meet their requirements.

Overpopulation in India and other Developing Countries

Overpopulation in India and similar developing countries is a great cause of concern, as it has many adverse effects on the nation’s progress and growth. All the development loses its sheen due to overpopulation. The state of public transport system and other basic amenities degrades quickly due to large number of people using them.

Overpopulation Solutions

Making the people aware of the ill effects of overpopulation is the most significant method to eliminate the latter. This awareness must be brought by education and advertising through different modes of communication. When people understand that the quality of life depends on the total number of family members, and the lesser the members the more good the finances will be; the fight against overpopulation will become much easier.

Overpopulation leads to various social, economical and developmental issues. It is therefore imperative that the world comes together on the issue of overpopulation and take necessary steps towards eliminating it. Unless the population of the world is kept under control, it would not be possible to achieve the development that the world seeks.

More Information:

  • Essay on World Population Day
  • Essay on Population
  • Essay on Population Growth
  • Essay on Family Planning in India
  • Paragraph on Population

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Ielts essay # 832 - overpopulation in urban areas has led to numerous problems, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, these days, overpopulation in many urban areas has led to numerous problems. , identify one or two serious problems associated with overpopulation in urban areas, and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems..

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    IELTS Essays - Band 6. by Simone Braverman. The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population, which is causing problems not only for poor, undeveloped countries, but also for industrialized and developed nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution.

  13. Essays on Overpopulation

    Overpopulation essay topics are assigned to students to make them consider this topic, discover popular opinions on it in the introduction and make a conclusion. ... This proposal to fix one of the United State's biggest issues which will also fix many other problems in the United States and worldwide, including but not limited to, improving ...

  14. The Problem of Overpopulation

    The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and effects of overpopulation, potential threats to society, and the ecosystem, as well as the ways to overcome the problem. Get a custom essay on The Problem of Overpopulation. The United Nations (UN) forecasts that the world's population is expected to increase by 2 billion in 30 years.

  15. Essay on Overpopulation in 500 Words

    Essay on Overpopulation in 500 Words. Essay on Overpopulation: Today, there are a total of 8.1 billion people in the world. This is a result of overpopulation and studies suggest that in the next 25 years, this number will reach 10 billion. This is overpopulation or overabundance, where our environment cannot offer resources to such large ...

  16. Overpopulation Essay

    Overpopulation is a problem that every nation is facing but sometimes over looked by due to lack of understanding and awareness. This is a serious issue that should be taken care of immediately. ... Formative essay 1 - Overpopulation World population and why has it become such a growing issue during the last 10 years Student name: John ...

  17. Essay on Overpopulation Problems

    Why Overpopulation is a Problem. Firstly, when there are too many people, there might not be enough food to go around. This can make people hungry and unhealthy. Secondly, finding a place to live can be hard. Too many people in a city can mean not enough homes, which can lead to people living in tight spaces or not having a home at all.

  18. Overpopulation Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

    16 essay samples found. Overpopulation occurs when the number of people living in a certain area exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment. Essays could delve into the causes and effects of overpopulation, its impact on resource scarcity and environmental degradation, or the policies and strategies for managing population growth.

  19. Overpopulation Essay: Effects and Solution for Overpopulation

    Overpopulation Problems Essay . Overpopulation is a widespread problem that is exacerbated in developing and underdeveloped countries. A large number of people migrate from developing and underdeveloped countries to developed countries. The following essay will discuss the causes, issues, and situation of overpopulation in India and other ...

  20. Yes, (Over)Population IS a Problem!

    An average family size of one-child per couple for 100 years could lead to what some experts posit as a sustainable population of around 2 billion people living at a European standard of living. Even an average of 1.5 children per family could, in 100 years, lead to a population smaller than today's - instead of the 47% growth to over 11 ...

  21. The Issue of the Overpopulation

    The Issue of the Overpopulation Essay. The issue of overpopulation is getting more heated nowadays. The planet is not able to sustain the ever-growing population. Considering those problems, specialists from varied fields of science have engaged in an active debate regarding fertility control. The following paper aims at observing the key ...

  22. Overpopulation in World: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

    Essay on Solutions of Overpopulation in World (500 words) - Essay 4. Introduction. The problem of overpopulation is grave, but as every problem has a solution, so overpopulation too has solutions; though, it may take some time before the results are evident, but the effort would be worth it.

  23. IELTS Essay # 832

    Overpopulation in cities is a growing concern that governments and individuals have to take into account seriously. They should work together to reduce the cause and the inconveniences caused by it. This essay will examine what are the issues caused by overcrowding in urban areas, and propose possible solutions to these problems.