Student’s first and last name
English 1302
Prof. Russell
September 29, 2013
Overpopulation Woes and What Is Being Done
I.
Overpopulation is seen by some as one of humanity’s greatest threats, and can change
life as we know it if left unchecked.
A. There are many issues to consider that can cause overpopulation.
1. War, famine, and drought can lead to overpopulation in urban centers by creating
large portions of the population that migrate to safer places.
2. There is a lack of programs to control the birth rate in most of the world.
3. There are major cultural differences between populations that can contribute to
the issue.
4. Sex and procreation are basic human needs that have to be met.
5. Advances in science are helping people to live longer lives.
B. There are several major negative effects caused by overpopulation.
1. Overpopulation can cause damage to the economy.
2. Overpopulation can also cause ecological damage.
3. The quality of life will decrease in areas that are affected by overpopulation.
II.
Scientists and governments have attempted to put forth measures to prevent the
problem of overpopulation from overwhelming our resources.
A. There are measures presented by governments and organizations to fight against
overpopulation.
1. China’s one child policy has had success in fighting overpopulation and its
effects.
2. Mass education of the population about and availability of birth control are
proven methods of controlling the birth rate.
3. Institutions are modifying traditional methods of education to produce graduates
who are ready to fight issues such as overpopulation.
III.
Although overpopulation is seen by some as a threat, there are also those who do not
view it as a major problem or oppose measures presented to resolve the supposed
issue.
A. There are major ethical concerns to consider when dealing with population control.
1. Human rights may be violated by programs to control population.
2. Government interference in the lives of its population is required.
3. There are considerations that should be made for who stands to gain from
population control or lack thereof.
B. Scientists have presented information that suggests overpopulation is not as major a
threat as some people have presented.
1. Problems caused by the developed world outweigh damage caused by
overpopulation.
2. Future generations (and therefore current birthrates) are not an issue; it is actually
the current population’s aging that is the real problem.
3. Rising rates of education and wealth are actually tied to a decrease in the birth
rate of populations.
4. There is evidence that increases in lifespan due to scientific advances will have
little to no effect on the birth rate.
C. Politics, culture, and religion can play a major role in preventing something being
done.
1. Traditional conservative religions (such as Catholicism) are against any form of
birth control.
2. Differences between cultures can cause some governments and organizations to
not see overpopulation as a concern.
IV.
Overall, the split in scientific opinion means concerning population growth means
that little will be done to control humanity’s increasing numbers.
A. The ability to strictly control an individual’s birthrate must be weighed against the
near certainty of a reduced number of resources.
B. More voices need to be heard about the dangers of overpopulation.
C. In the end, humanity may not be mature enough nor determined enough to make the
decisions required to make a difference – but humanity is indeed a danger to itself.