Overpopulation is an undesirable condition where the number of the existing human population exceeds the actual carrying capacity of Earth. Overpopulation is caused by a number of factors. Reduced mortality rate, better medical facilities, depletion of precious resources are a few of the causes which result in overpopulation. It is possible for a sparsely populated area to become densely populated if it is not able to sustain life.
Many scientists and reputable authors had emphasised the negative impact of the rapid increase of human population growth. In The Message: A Novel About Overpopulation, the author deals with the very real issue that governments, and people in general, seem reluctant to discuss… the increasing problem of overpopulation!
Following are some of the negative effects of human overpopulation:
Deforestation
The deforestation and loss of ecosystems contribute valuably to the overall balance of atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide; About eight million hectares of forest are lost each year.
Mass extinctions and shrinking biodiversity
Mass extinctions and shrinking biodiversity of reduced habitat in tropical forests due to slash and burn techniques that are sometimes practised by migrant farmers, especially in countries with the rapid expansion of rural populations; current extinction rates can be as high as 140,000 species lost per year.
Changes in atmospheric composition and the consequent global warming
Loss of arable land and increased desertification. Deforestation and desertification can be reversed by adopting property rights, and this policy is successful even when the human population continues to grow.
High mortality of infants and children
More likelihood of new epidemics and pandemics. For many environmental and social reasons, which include conditions of overcrowding, malnutrition and inadequate, inaccessible or non-existent health care, the poor are more likely to be exposed to infectious diseases.