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Overpopulation Describe and explain the causes and effects of overpopulation, with reference to examples that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2015
Question C
Overpopulation Describe and explain the causes and effects of overpopulation, with reference to examples that you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Overpopulation Describe and explain the causes and effects of overpopulation, with reference to examples that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2015
Step 1
Identify Causes of Overpopulation
Answer
Overpopulation is primarily caused by several factors:
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High Birth Rates: In many developing countries, cultural norms favor larger families, which leads to higher birth rates. For example, in countries like Niger, the fertility rate is significantly high, contributing substantially to population growth.
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Reduced Mortality Rates: Advances in healthcare and medicine have resulted in decreased mortality rates, particularly infant mortality. Countries like India have seen improvements in sanitation and medical care, which have increased life expectancy.
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Migration: Urbanization and the migration of people from rural areas to urban centers looking for better job opportunities can exacerbate overpopulation in cities, as seen in megacities like Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Step 2
Identify Effects of Overpopulation
Answer
The effects of overpopulation are multifaceted and deeply impactful:
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Resource Depletion: Overpopulation leads to increased consumption of resources such as water, food, and energy. For instance, in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, deforestation and water shortages are dire consequences of excessive population pressure.
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Environmental Degradation: Increased waste and pollution contribute to major environmental challenges. Urban areas experience poor air quality and increased waste, deteriorating living conditions.
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Strain on Infrastructure: Overcrowded cities face challenges such as inadequate housing, transportation congestion, and insufficient public services. For example, in Manila, the rapid population growth has overwhelmed local infrastructure, leading to severe traffic and housing shortages.
Step 3
Provide Examples of Overpopulation
Answer
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India: With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India faces significant challenges related to overpopulation, including poverty, inadequate healthcare, and environmental degradation.
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Nigeria: As one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, Nigeria's population explosion has led to high unemployment rates and strained resources, impacting economic development.
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Bangladesh: Dhaka is cited as one of the most densely populated cities globally, where overpopulation has resulted in chronic issues of poverty and inadequate living conditions.
Step 4
Describe and Explain Overpopulation
Answer
Overpopulation is a condition where the number of people exceeds the carrying capacity of a region or the planet as a whole. It creates numerous social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Social Implications: Increased competition for limited resources leads to elevated levels of poverty, unemployment, and crime. Cities become overcrowded, increasing demand for housing and services that often cannot keep up, resulting in slums and inadequate infrastructure.
Economic Implications: Countries facing overpopulation often see stunted economic growth because more funds are consumed in healthcare, education, and welfare for the growing population, rather than development projects. This fiscal strain can perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Environmental Implications: Overpopulation accelerates environmental decline through deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. The higher demand for land, water, and energy results in unsustainable practices that harm the planet.
Addressing overpopulation requires strategic planning and cooperation among nations to implement policies focusing on family planning, education, and sustainable development.