Rapid Population Growth
List the environmental and social consequences of rapid population growth in rural developing countries and urban areas.
In developing countries, population growth is at an accelerated rate, leading to an increase in population size. Most of these developing countries cannot sustain their population, which leads to overexploitation of the environment to sustain this population for food and housing, which leads to deforestation. Therefore, population growth affects our environment positively and negatively; impacts include the development of urban areas, the decrease in biodiversity, and global warming (Wright and Broose, 2011).
Firstly, the development of urban areas is the main consequence of population growth. This is in light of the movement of a majority of the people from rural areas to urban areas as they seek greener pastures. The growth of urban areas prods the development of the country because of economic growth. The increase in population leads to an increase in poverty due to unemployment, which leads to an increase in crime levels. However, as the population grows, the level of wellness also improves as more healthcare facilities are opened (Wright and Broose, 2011).
Secondly, the decrease in biodiversity is another effect of population growth. As the population grows, people encroach on forests around them and other vegetation, clearing the vegetation present to create room for the development of housing facilities and agricultural grounds to plant crops for their consumption. This is done with no consideration of the plants and animals affected during this process, which leads to the loss of wild plants and animals (Wright and Broose, 2011).
Thirdly, rapid population growth leads to an increase in global warming. Population pressure leads to the encroachment of forests and urbanization, which leads to the development of industries to sustain the growing population. Industries emit more carbon dioxide, while there is a reduction in carbon dioxide uptake by plants, leading to an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere. The accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere causes a greenhouse effect, increasing global warming (Wright and Broose, 2011).
In conclusion, rapid population growth has negatively and positively impacted the environment and social life in developing countries, with the negative impacts outweighing the positive ones. Implementing techniques to lower the population growth in developing countries would be a good step in counteracting the effects caused by population growth.
References
Wright, R. and Broose, D., 2011. Environmental science. Pearson.
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Question 
Environmental Issues
List the environmental and social consequences of rapid population growth in rural developing countries and urban areas.
Textbook:
- Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future
Rapid Population Growth
