d.In addition to depleting resources, overpopulation is the root cause of most environmental problems. The demands of increasing population magnify demands for natural resources, clean air and water, as well as access to wilderness areas. Unless we start stacking people in high-rises, this means an increased demand for living space, with the inevitable result of more sprawl. The quality of life for future generations hinges on stabilizing both domestic and world population. Pollution is an environmental problem whose magnitude is increased by overpopulation. Although rapid population growth leads to high rates of habitat loss, some of the greatest pollution problems (both local and global), and high levels of energy use, occur in areas with high densities (Asia and Europe) rather than in countries with high growth rates (Africa and South America). As more people drive more cars, use more electricity, throw away more trash, and cut down more trees, the environmental problems we experience are greatly increased. The traffic problems we face daily are another result of overpopulation. In California, 300,000 hours are wasted in traffic congestion each year at an estimated annual cost of over 892 million dollars. In addition, these idling motors add to the pollution problem (Oberlink, 1995). The earth could easily sustain a small population of highly polluting people. But as more people such as us pollute, massive problems occur. Pollution is magnified in developing nations, as those nations with larger growing populations become richer; their pollution increases with their wealth. Developing nations often promote industries that pollute to compete economically. These industries are less tightly regulated in order to stimulate growth. Besides causing the environmental strains on the earth, overpopulation causes a large number of the social problems in today's society. A recent study by Ohio State University shows that childre...
