Name: JAYMARK BEBAT Date: March 30, 2024

Program: BETMT-3B

1. How do you think overpopulation affects the environment and society?

Overpopulation, which means the number of people exceeds the Earth’s capacity to sustain the
people comfortably, has become a pressing worldwide concern. In recent years the Earth’s population has
reached 8 billion people. It fun things that 1 person reached the 8 billion was came from the Philippines.
Concerns about the rapid increase in population have intensified. This essay explores how overpopulation
affects both the environment and society.

As the human population grows, there is an increase in demand for essential resources such as
freshwater, land occupation, food, and fuels. This increased demand accelerates water scarcity, soil
degradation, and energy consumption. Thus, more exploitation of the earth's resources. For instance, the
average person in the United States, one of the populous countries uses nearly five times more resources
than the planet’s sustainable yield. The depletion of these resources is exacerbated by overpopulation,
leading to environmental strain. Many of the resources we rely on are not renewable. The extraction of
fossil fuels, minerals, and other raw materials produces emissions and pollution, which harm both the
environment and human health. Overpopulation exacerbates this impact, as more people consume these
finite resources.

A major factor in climate change is overpopulation. Greenhouse gas emissions increase in tandem
with population growth. Transportation, energy use, and increased industrial activity are all relevant. The
ensuing global warming has an impact on ecosystems, sea levels, and weather patterns, endangering
biodiversity and making natural disasters worse. Ecosystems suffer as more land is plowed for
development and agriculture. The loss of habitat and extinction of species are caused by deforestation.
The loss of biodiversity is directly caused by the growing human footprint. Natural ecosystems are
frequently invaded by overpopulated places, which uproots species and upsets sensitive ecological
balances.

The infrastructure of society is severely strained by population growth. Cities that are
overpopulated cause poor housing, heavy traffic, and overburdened public services. The inability of
healthcare systems to keep up with the demands of an expanding population has an impact on public
general health. Poverty and inequality in society are made worse by overpopulation. The rarer resources,
the more intense the competition. Because they have less access to economic opportunities, healthcare,
and education, low-income populations suffer disproportionately. Social inequities are sustained by
unequal resource allocation.

Degradation of the environment, a lack of resources, and financial difficulties are often the reasons
behind migration from overpopulated places. This movement may lead to tensions and conflicts within
countries as well as between them. Sometimes disputes over limited resources, such as land and water,
turn violent.

In conclusion, there are significant negative effects of overpopulation on the environment and
society. A multimodal strategy involving family planning, education, and sustainable resource
management is needed to address this issue. We can endeavor to create a more resilient and balanced
planet for present and future generations by realizing the effects of overpopulation.
Name: JAYMARK BEBAT Date: March 30, 2024
Program: BETMT-3B

2.What are some of the causes of overpopulation, and how can they be addressed?

In the Philippines, the interplay between governmental policies and individual choices
significantly contributes to the nation’s burgeoning population. A key factor is the inadequate
dissemination of educational resources, which limits citizens’ understanding of reproductive health and
family planning. The country’s conservative religious ethos further complicates this issue, often
restricting open discussions about sexuality and bodily autonomy.
This cultural backdrop can suppress information about contraception and safe sex practices,
leading to unintended pregnancies. As individuals mature, the natural exploration of their changing bodies
and sexuality can occur without a comprehensive grasp of the implications, due to the lack of education
and open dialogue. Consequently, this situation can perpetuate the cycle of population growth,
underscoring the need for enhanced educational outreach and a shift towards more progressive attitudes
regarding reproductive health.

3. How do population growth and demographic transition impact the economy and the
environment?

Population growth and demographic transition, the process of transition from high birth and death
rates to low rates, has a significant impact on both the economy and the environment. Knowing these
dynamics is crucial for sustainable development.

In the early stages of demographic transition, rapid population growth can create a "demographic
dividend." A larger working-age population fuels economic expansion, as seen in many developing
countries. Increased labor supply and potential consumers drive innovation and investment. However, this
window of opportunity is temporary. As societies progress, birth rates typically decline, leading to an
aging population. This can strain economies in several ways. A shrinking workforce can lead to labor
shortages and may affect economic growth. Additionally, with a larger elderly population requiring
healthcare and social services, government spending pressures rise.

Environmental considerations further complicate the data. A growing population means greater
demand for resources like food, water, and energy. This can lead to resource exploitation and depletion,
habitat loss, and increased pollution. For instance, amplifying uses of agricultural land can contribute to
soil degradation and water scarcity. But, Technological advancements can play a very important role in
mitigating these challenges. Innovations in renewable energy and resource management offer solutions
for a growing population. Furthermore, a smaller, more educated population may be more receptive to
sustainable practices.

Therefore, population growth and demographic transition have complex and multifaceted impacts
on the economy and environment. While a temporary economic advantage exists during rapid population
growth, the long-term challenges require proactive measures. Utilizing and embracing technological
solutions and promoting sustainable practices will be key to navigating these demographic shifts and
ensuring a thriving future for all.
Name: JAYMARK BEBAT Date: March 30, 2024
Program: BETMT-3B

4. Should governments implement policies to control population growth, such as

limiting family size or promoting birth control?

The ever-increasing human population poses a significant challenge. Should governments

intervene with policies like family size limitations or birth control promotion? While the concerns are
valid, a more nuanced approach focusing on empowerment may be more effective.

Rapid population growth can affect our resources and exploit the environment leading to
degradation. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a 2011 report managed population
growth can enhance economic development by allowing for better resource allocation across a smaller
population. Furthermore, it suggests that a large population can accelerate environmental damage,
jeopardizing long-term sustainability. However, coercive population control measures like China's one-
child policy have a dark history. While such policies may achieve numerical targets, they often come at a
high cost to individual liberty. Governments dictating family size is a violation of fundamental human
rights.

A more effective approach lies in empowering individuals, particularly women. Research

indicates a strong correlation between female education and access to family planning services, and a
natural decline in fertility rates. When women are empowered to make informed choices about their
reproductive health, population growth tends to stabilize organically.

In conclusion, government intervention through direct limitations on family size is an

infringement on individual rights. However, governments can play a crucial role in promoting population
stabilization by prioritizing female education and ensuring access to comprehensive family planning
services.

References
1. Hirsh, S. (2022). How Does Overpopulation Affect the Environment? Green Matters1
2. The Environmental Impact of Overpopulation. Greener Ideal3
3. How Overpopulation Impacts the Environment. LiveAbout4
4. Ryerson, B. (2023). Overpopulation Implications and Impact. Population Media Center2
5. “The Overpopulation Project. (2024). Exploring the Environmental and Societal Impacts of
Overpopulation. Retrieved from The Overpopulation Project website.”
6. The Impact of China’s One-Child Policy (2023). What Was China's One-Child Policy? Its
Implications and Importance. Retrieved from The Investopedia