overpopulation related essay topics

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

104 Overpopulation Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Overpopulation is a pressing issue that affects societies around the world. With the global population steadily increasing, it is important to address the challenges and consequences of overpopulation. If you are tasked with writing an essay on overpopulation, it can be helpful to have a list of topic ideas to choose from. Here are 104 overpopulation essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

• The causes and consequences of overpopulation
• The impact of overpopulation on the environment
• Overpopulation and resource depletion
• Overpopulation and food security
• Overpopulation and urbanization
• Overpopulation and poverty
• Overpopulation and healthcare
• Overpopulation and education
• Overpopulation and immigration
• Overpopulation and social unrest
• Overpopulation and climate change
• Overpopulation and economic development
• Overpopulation and natural disasters
• Overpopulation and wildlife extinction
• Overpopulation and water scarcity
• Overpopulation and energy consumption
• Overpopulation and pollution
• Overpopulation and deforestation
• Overpopulation and biodiversity loss
• Overpopulation and land degradation
• Overpopulation and waste management
• Overpopulation and transportation
• Overpopulation and public health
• Overpopulation and global security
• Overpopulation and sustainable development
• Overpopulation and gender equality
• Overpopulation and reproductive rights
• Overpopulation and family planning
• Overpopulation and government policies
• Overpopulation and technological advancements
• Overpopulation and social inequality
• Overpopulation and cultural diversity
• Overpopulation and migration patterns
• Overpopulation and urban planning
• Overpopulation and housing shortages
• Overpopulation and public services
• Overpopulation and job opportunities
• Overpopulation and social services
• Overpopulation and social welfare programs
• Overpopulation and income inequality
• Overpopulation and quality of life
• Overpopulation and population control measures
• Overpopulation and sustainable agriculture
• Overpopulation and renewable energy
• Overpopulation and waste reduction
• Overpopulation and green technologies
• Overpopulation and carbon footprint
• Overpopulation and water pollution
• Overpopulation and air pollution
• Overpopulation and noise pollution
• Overpopulation and soil erosion
• Overpopulation and desertification
• Overpopulation and climate change adaptation
• Overpopulation and disaster preparedness
• Overpopulation and emergency response
• Overpopulation and conflict resolution
• Overpopulation and peacebuilding
• Overpopulation and international cooperation
• Overpopulation and diplomacy
• Overpopulation and humanitarian assistance
• Overpopulation and sustainable development goals
• Overpopulation and sustainable cities
• Overpopulation and smart growth
• Overpopulation and green infrastructure
• Overpopulation and sustainable transportation
• Overpopulation and green building
• Overpopulation and renewable resources
• Overpopulation and waste management strategies
• Overpopulation and recycling initiatives
• Overpopulation and composting programs
• Overpopulation and energy efficiency
• Overpopulation and clean energy technologies
• Overpopulation and carbon capture
• Overpopulation and reforestation
• Overpopulation and wildlife conservation
• Overpopulation and marine protection
• Overpopulation and sustainable fishing practices
• Overpopulation and biodiversity conservation
• Overpopulation and habitat restoration
• Overpopulation and species preservation
• Overpopulation and ecosystem restoration
• Overpopulation and climate change mitigation
• Overpopulation and disaster risk reduction
• Overpopulation and emergency preparedness
• Overpopulation and humanitarian aid
• Overpopulation and peacekeeping missions
• Overpopulation and conflict resolution efforts
• Overpopulation and peacebuilding initiatives
• Overpopulation and sustainable development projects
• Overpopulation and green technology innovations
• Overpopulation and renewable energy solutions
• Overpopulation and waste reduction measures
• Overpopulation and recycling programs
• Overpopulation and composting initiatives
• Overpopulation and energy efficiency improvements
• Overpopulation and carbon capture projects
• Overpopulation and reforestation efforts
• Overpopulation and wildlife conservation programs
• Overpopulation and marine protection efforts
• Overpopulation and biodiversity conservation projects
• Overpopulation and habitat restoration initiatives

These overpopulation essay topic ideas and examples can help you explore the complex issues surrounding overpopulation and its impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. By choosing a topic that interests you and conducting thorough research, you can write a compelling essay that sheds light on this important global challenge.

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

50 Latest Overpopulation IELTS Topics

• Unlimited Essay Checks: Practice and perfect your skills.
• Detailed Error Analysis: Spot every mistake.
• In-Built Grammar Checker: Say no to grammatical errors.
• Personalized Suggestions: Know how to boost your score.
• Progress Tracking: View your checked essay history.
• Still thinking? We have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Take a leap of faith!

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.

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.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

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.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• Writing Correction
• Online Prep Platform
• Online Course
• Speaking Assessment
• Ace The IELTS
• Target Band 7
• Practice Tests Downloads
• IELTS Success Formula
• Essays Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 samples – IELTS Band 9 essays
• Essays Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 8
• Essays Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 7
• Essays Band 6 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 6
• Essays Band 5 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 5
• Reports Band 9 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 9 (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Reports Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 8
• Reports Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 7
• Letters Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 1 – samples of IELTS letters of Band 9
• Letters Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 8
• Letters Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 7
• Speaking Samples
• Tests Samples
• 2023, 2024 IELTS questions
• 2022 IELTS questions
• 2021 IELTS questions
• 2020 IELTS questions
• High Scorer’s Advice IELTS high achievers share their secrets
• IELTS Results Competition
• IELTS-Blog App

IELTS Essay, topic: Overpopulation

• IELTS Essays - Band 6

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 .

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

Related posts:

• IELTS essay, topic: Should school children be given homework (opinion)? This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...
• IELTS essay, topic: Having a salaried job is better than being self-employed (agree/disagree) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...
• IELTS essay, topic: What is the best motivation for workers – salary, job satisfaction or helping others? This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...
• IELTS essay, topic: Is studying at university better than getting a job straight after school (opinion)? This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...
• IELTS essay, topic: Some people like to own their home while others prefer to rent it (discuss) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...

2 thoughts on “IELTS Essay, topic: Overpopulation”

Pingback:  IELTS Essay Samples of Band 6 | IELTS-Blog

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress
• Members Newsfeed

Overpopulation Essay Topics to Write About

• Essay Topics

Overpopulation Topics to Write About

• The Global Population’s Changing Dynamics
• The Impact of Scientific and Technological Developments on Population Growth
• The Results of an Excessive Human Population
• The Relationship between Overpopulation and Extreme Poverty
• Is Democracy In Danger Due To Overpopulation?
• What Is The Relationship Between Social Conflict And Population Growth?
• There Is Currently An Epidemic Of Overpopulation
• Human Population Expansion and the Degradation of Natural Resources
• Do We Need To Combat Population Growth?
• Management of the Human Population

Most Interesting Overpopulation Topics to Write About

• Implications of Human Overpopulation on Natural Systems
• Overpopulation and the Risk of Terrorism
• The Consequences Of Overpopulation And Climate Change For The World Are Discussed
• Overpopulation and the World’s Population Crisis
• Perspective on Overpopulation: Delving Into the Hardinian Taboo
• Population Explosion and Overpopulation in the 20th Century
• China’s Overpopulation and Its Consequences for the Country’s Economy
• The Root and Branch of the Problem of Homeless Pets: Overpopulation
• Overpopulation Is Becoming An Increasing Concern As The World’s Resources Become Increasingly Stretched
• Malthus’s Overpopulation Hypothesis
• How Critical It Is To Reduce Overpopulation’s Impact On The Environment
• Environmental Degradation Caused By Overpopulation
• Examining Divergent Views on Overpopulation in the Press
• Overpopulation and Its Global Effects
• America’s Future Role in World Population Growth
• The Worries Of A World Overpopulated In Light Of Its Limited Resources
• The Critical Nature of the Overpopulation Issue in Modern Times
• Overpopulation Is One of the World’s Fastest-growing Problems
• The Dangers and Solutions of a Growing Pet Population
• The Problem of Overpopulation and the Primary Causes Of Capital Cities’ Overpopulation

Overpopulation Research Questions & Topics

• Overpopulation In The Philippines: Why It Happens And What Can Be Done About It
• An Analysis of the Cat Overpopulation Crisis in the US
• Chinese Efforts to Reduce Population Growth
• Population Growth And Environmental Pollution Must Be Stopped
• A Look At The Growing And Overpopulation Threat Facing Our World
• The Problems Of Overpopulation: A Review Of Their Natural Beauty And The Right To Behave Decently
• Examining the Causes and Effects of Rapid Population Growth and Overpopulation
• Contrary To Popular Belief, Poverty Is A Direct Result Of Overpopulation
• Human Overpopulation: The World’s Greatest Cancer
• Reduce The World’s Overpopulation With These Simple Steps
• Overpopulation and Its Repercussions on Pets
• Overpopulation’s Impact On The Environment, Examined
• Population Explosion And Overcrowding Are Two Sociological Phenomena That Demand Attention
• A Case for Reducing the Environmental Impact of Human Population Growth
• Overpopulation: An Examination Of Ehrlich’s “Population Bomb”
• Pollution and Habitat Loss As A Result Of Human Population Growth
• Unemployment And Population Growth: What Can Be Done?
• Possible Solutions to the Problem of Prison Overcrowding In the US
• The Worsening Problem of Overpopulation on Earth
• Overpopulation’s Damaging Effects on Society around the Globe

Related Articles

The art of crafting a well-written expository essay can be challenging for…

1. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life 2. Climate Change…

Introduction A compare and contrast essay is one of the most common…

Pedagogue is a social media network where educators can learn and grow. It's a safe space where they can share advice, strategies, tools, hacks, resources, etc., and work together to improve their teaching skills and the academic performance of the students in their charge.

If you want to collaborate with educators from around the globe, facilitate remote learning, etc., sign up for a free account today and start making connections.

Pedagogue is Free Now, and Free Forever!

• New? Start Here
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Registration

Don't you have an account? Register Now! it's really simple and you can start enjoying all the benefits!

We just sent you an Email. Please Open it up to activate your account.

I allow this website to collect and store submitted data.

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• Find Student Housing
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses
• Sample Essays
• 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.

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)

<<< Back

Next >>>

More Problems & Solutions Essays:

Competing for Jobs Essay

Competing for Jobs Essay: This is a model essay about the problems arising when older people have to compete with younger people for jobs. you need to write about the problems that arise if older people have to compete for jobs with younger people.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Example: Why is immigration problematic?

This problem solution essay example is about the increasing number of professionals who are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Student Housing
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

IELTS Essay: English as a Global Language

Apr 03, 24 03:49 PM

Alternatives to the IELTS Exam

Mar 22, 24 12:32 PM

Common Questions about the IELTS Speaking Test

Mar 09, 24 05:28 AM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

Home Essay Examples Sociology Overpopulation

Overpopulation: Causes And Consequences

• Category Sociology
• Subcategory Human Populations
• Topic Overpopulation

The concept of global challenges is very ambiguous as it encompasses multifarious types of challenges, consequences and solutions. However, Professor Kristen Gelsdof succinctly defines a global challenge as “any major trend, shock or development that has the potential for serious global impacts” (1). I would like to extend this definition with “and can only be solved with global compliance and collaboration”, as I believe that no global challenge can be solved by any one nation or institution alone. They require collaborative action among all members of the international community, including IGOs, NGOs and corporations (2).

A significant challenge facing us today is world population, which can be characterised as overpopulation and as a growing threat to human survival on Earth. From the beginning of human history, it took until 1804 to reach a world population of 1 billion people, but only approximately 200 years after that to reach 7 billion (see Figure 1). Now, humans are reproducing at an unprecedented rate, with the population expected to increase by 2 billion in the next 30 years and peak at 11 billion by 2100 (3). The Industrial Revolution was a pinnacle point of human history that brought advancements in science, technology and transport worldwide. These advancements have enabled more people to reach the reproductive age and have reduced the fatality rate. As a result of this, increasing worldwide population growth has become a major contributor to climate change, rising sea-levels, exhaustion of natural resources and rising living costs and unemployment (4). It is now more important than ever before to face overpopulation with global solutions, otherwise the consequences will be devastating.

Our writers can write you a new plagiarism-free essay on any topic

In her report The Population Explosion: Causes and Consequences, Carolyn Kinder defines overpopulation as “the condition of having more people than can live on earth in comfort, happiness and health and still leave the world a fit place for future generations” (6). With more than 220 000 consumers being added to the planet daily (7), the disparity between human consumption and renewed global resources is increasing at an extremely unsustainable and alarming rate.

Earth Overshoot Day is the date which marks the depletion of the global allowance of the Earth’s yearly quota of natural resources. These resources include clean water, clean air and carbon sequestration (8). In 2019, Earth Overshoot day was July 29th, the earliest date recorded. To put this into perspective, in 1987 the date was October 23rd and in 2005 it was August 26th (9). This current usage is equivalent to 1.7 Earths, and if this trend continues, with more people using more resources, three Earths will be needed by 2050 (see Figure 2) (10).

The first step in solving overpopulation is recognising it as a global challenge and acknowledging that it’s growing beyond its limits. When looking at Gelsdorf’s definition, it is quite evident that the concept of overpopulation cannot be denied as a global challenge. This trend has the ability to effect any area of the globe and has the ‘potential for serious global impacts’, such as resource depletion. Furthermore, because overpopulation is “trans-institutional in solution” (12) it can only be solved with ‘global compliance and collaboration’.

The 1994 International Conference of Parliamentarians on Population and Development recognised this fact. The conference identified that there is a “delicate balance between population and natural resources” (13) and it urges national governments to take responsibility to resolve their own population issues “in a way that respects their own national and cultural identity, values and tradition” (14).

A prominent example of a nation taking specific action to tackle population growth is China and it’s one child policy. Introduced in 1980, this unique and unprecedented domestic measure established strict government monitoring to ensure that Chinese couples were having one child only. Incentives were offered to those who complied with the policy, including paid vacation and priority housing. With China making up 19% of the global population alone, the policy has been effective in preventing approximately 400 million births (15), but despite this success, China has suffered from some negative side effects, including a skewed male population, an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The policy framework focused on numbers only and did not – or was not able to – take account of entrenched cultural biases that favoured survival of male children over female children. So, resolving the challenge clearly lies within shrouds of moral, religious, political and practical circumstances, as well as numbers.

Recent modifications to the policy now allow couples to have two children if either parent is a single child. A study published by The Lancet by Professor Yi Zeng and Professor Therese Hesketh highlighted that the two-child policy will “not result in a baby boom, but rather a moderate increase in fertility” (16), because of the low fertility culture in China due to the previous policy. Currently, China’s birth rates are at 1.9 children per mother (see Figure 3) and if this rate is sustained, it will lead to depopulation. However, the rate of decline will not mean a dramatic reduction in total population numbers, which still stands at 1.4 billion (17).

For the global community to benefit the most out of this solution, other nations should follow suit and implement their own birth policies within the bounds of their culture and awareness, especially nations with higher populations like India, the United States and Indonesia (18). It’s a non-disruptive way to slowly decrease the population as it doesn’t impact individuals who are already alive, but instead prevents births.

Another international solution is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which outline 17 goals for the international community to work towards that are “the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” (20). Because of state sovereignty, the SDGs are not legally binding. Instead, they are an innovative and effective way to exert pressure on nations and hold them accountable to accomplish the goals within their own borders (21). Additionally, compliance with the SGDs allows nations to create or maintain ties with other countries and establish a positive reputation within the global community. Although there is no specific SDG for overpopulation, the interconnective nature of the goals ensures that progress of some SDGs, especially ‘gender equality’ and ‘quality education’, is progress towards reducing overpopulation.

In his documentary Bill Nye Saves the World, scientist Bill Nye discusses the link between empowering women and overpopulation, stating, “by empowering women, we can lower the birth rate and keep population growth manageable” (22). Giving women access to a quality education and career is an impactful and ethical way to lower the birth rate. Not only is an education a vital way to gain knowledge about the many birth control options, but having a career usually means a woman can choose to have children later in life, which usually is linked to having fewer children. While this is a desirable aim, it is unfair for the female population to address this alone. The attitude and expectation of the male cohort must change if increased population levels are to be stabilised or reduced over time.

If the UN were to modify the SDGs to add a specific overpopulation goal, it will increase awareness about this issue and hopefully encourage nations put in place their own policies to sustain their precious resources and ensure the future of the world. Such an approach requires some sort of incentive which may include attaching achievement of population goals to financial assistance levels. World lending and aid organisations need to link their practices to a more sustainable level of population growth in spite of the moral and ethical issues that such an approach presents and the financial implications of doing so.

The actions we as a global community take now to combat overpopulation will determine the future of humankind and the environment. We have the power to decide whether we want to prosper as a race or succumb to irreversible environmental degradation and resource depletion. It is vital for all members of the international community to collaborate, cooperate and comply to ensure that the global solutions put in place are effective and sustainable.

We have 98 writers available online to start working on your essay just NOW!

Related Topics

Related essays.

By clicking "Send essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

By clicking "Receive essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

We can edit this one and make it plagiarism-free in no time

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Overpopulation Essay Examples and Topics

Overpopulation: causes, effects and consequences.

• Words: 1146

Overpopulation and Limit on Number of Children

Overpopulation: causes, effects, and solutions, overcrowding in cities as social & environmental problem, current and future population problems in pakistan.

• Words: 2430

Urbanization Merits and Challenges

• Words: 1048

The Chinese One Child Policy, Its Origin and Effects

• Words: 3132

Human Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

Overpopulation benefits.

• Words: 2043

Bling H2O: Brand of Mineral Water

China and india population: causes, impact and management.

• Words: 1376

Population Growth Control

• Words: 2877

Population Growth Control and Malthus’ View on It

Global population increasing and control.

• Words: 1664

The Rapid Rise in Population Growth Rates

Utilitarian view on overpopulation and life quality.

• Words: 1948

Overpopulation: Is the Small World Getting Smaller?

Managing overpopulation in india and caused problems, overpopulation and food production problem, world population could peak decades ahead of the un forecast, global population growth and increased demand for food, population growth in bangladesh and egypt.

• Words: 3302

Sustainability: How to Sustain the Current Growth Rate

• Words: 1130

Human Overpopulation and Its Global Impact

The age demographics of elizabeth, nj, population increase and birth control, “the limits to growth” book critique by pareti, “don’t expect a quarantine baby boom” by alan yuhas, factors contributing to ebola epidemics in west africa, the issue of the overpopulation, human sexuality birth control.

• Words: 1143

‘The Tide of Population’ by Ehrlich and ‘Too Many Mouths to Feed’ by Lappe

Human population growth and limiting factors, root causes of the current environmental crisis, rapid urbanization and underdevelopment.

• Words: 2811

English Economist Thomas Malthus

Does the overpopulation of our planet pose a serious problem, abortions and birth control.

• Words: 1438

Population Grows And Environment

• Words: 1363

Urban Anthropology: City Life Analysis

Overpopulation: “empty planet” by bricker & ibbitson.

• Words: 1396

Population Pressure, Surplus Population, Nature, and Capitalist Development

• Words: 1401

Areas of High Population Growth

Human exponential growth and natural resources, birth control against overpopulation.

• Words: 1520

Redistributing Resources in the “Clueless” Film

“population & environment” in mazur’s feminist approach, the impact of overpopulation on the global environment.

• Words: 1187

Australian Population Growth and Forecast for 2020

• Words: 1821

Urban Climacteric in Davis’ “The Planet of Slums”

• Words: 1384

Population Dynamics and Increase Reasons

Malthus’s demographic disaster and its prevention.

• Words: 1412

Urbanization in Hong Kong and Effects on Citizens

• Words: 1885

Population Growth and the Associated Concerns

Overpopulation challenges in china.

• Words: 2030

Human Population Growing Major Issues

Problems of population growth in china, population and sustainability, the policy of one child per couple in china: death and birth rate.

• Words: 1349

Pakistan Fertility Programs Overview

Exponential population growth: it is a small world, after all, high population growth.

• Words: 2178

Proposal Modeled on Swift’s Modest

• Words: 1091

Effects of Population Density

• Words: 1085

• Mobile Site
• Staff Directory
• Advertise with Ars

Filter by topic

• Biz & IT
• Gaming & Culture

Front page layout

The Unsettling of Catan —

New catan game has overpopulation, pollution, fossil fuels, and clean energy, if pollution levels go too high, the game ends for everyone. it's a fun escape.

Kevin Purdy - Apr 2, 2024 5:48 pm UTC

In Klaus Teuber's Catan  (previously Settlers of Catan ), the player is tasked with starting from scratch and building as much as they can: the largest army, the most cities, the best sea ports for easy trading, even the longest road. It's all beneficial, and the only real drawback is that you have to prioritize certain things over others. There wasn't direct conflict or battle, but there were scarce resources, and the savviest player could corner the market for them.

Catan was released in 1995. Now, in 2024, Teuber's son, Benjamin Teuber, is releasing Catan: New Energies ,  which he developed with his late father. While it is "rooted in classic Catan mechanics of trading, harvesting, and building," there are some decidedly 2024 issues at play now that the Vikings have settled in for more than a millennia .

As detailed by Benjamin Teuber in a Fast Company interview , New Energies will see players:

• Choosing between cheaper fossil fuel power or research-intensive renewables
• Limited in resources as pollution grows
• Ending the game entirely if pollution hits a certain level
• Countering pollution with "green tokens" from renewable building
• Dealing with the effects worldwide climate change exacts on smaller islands
• Realizing that "As in real life, the most sustainable player does not always win."

It is, however, a hopeful game. The game comes by its "meaningful, evidence-based message" as sincerely as is possible for a mass-produced product. New Energies is printed and assembled in the US, contains no plastic, and uses sustainably sourced wood and paper materials. It's available now for preorder at $70  and due in the spring of 2024.

• Catan: New Energies with all pieces and boards laid out Catan GmbH
• A player board from Catan: New Energies . The brown pieces are drawn more frequently at the beginning, but gradually transition to green tokens. Catan GmbH
• Dev cards from Catan: New Energies . Catan GmbH

As with Catan games in general, the game's competition for land and resources is balanced by the presence of other players, whose actions, appetite for trading, and even collaboration can affect outcomes.

“Very often at the end of the game, you see everybody completely freaking out, like, ‘Oh man, we’ve got to save the world!’” Benjamin Teuber told Fast Company. “But the pollution is already here, like what did you expect? And then maybe people start working together, and that’s a really nice effect that makes you think ‘if we do all work together and all did our share, then it can work, and all it cost is that we grow a little bit slower.’”

If you haven't played a Catan game in a while or missed most of the variants and alternate settings, New Energies might provide a distinctly fresh experience. The artwork, by Ian O'Toole ( On Mars , Rococo, Fit to Print) , is distinct from the original. And the new systems look like they'll provide some new layers of strategy for those who might feel too familiar with the core Catan concepts.

At a minimum, you can test your friends' patience and sense of humor by playing as a game-ending cheap coal villain. Global footprint marker? Environmental inspector? Not your problem.

This post was updated at 3:30 p.m. Eastern to note the game's overall hopeful nature, which might not have been apparent at first glance.

reader comments

Channel ars technica.