However, we also need to consider the distribution of this wealth throughout the whole of those areas. Higher percentages of people could mean greater competition for jobs, and also the possibility of higher levels of pollution etc. which in turn could have negative effects on the health and wellbeing of its citizens [5].
He also points out that even though Malthus may have been proved wrong in his assumptions, many situations have occurred which reflected other concerns of those who have expressed them. One example of such a concern is of the 19th Century campaigners in Britain who were publishing and distributing an illegal manual on birth control called Fruits of Philosophy by Charles Knowlton, because of their derogatory view of the working classes [6]. It is therefore easy to consider the potential human rights issues which may arise from either forced or implied population control measures. Even so, would it not also be a human rights issue if those who choose to adopt family planning techniques would not receive the correct education and help they seek?
Lastly, he suggests that some scientists maintain that feeding nine billion people is perfectly achievable. To do this we would just need to improve crop production, use water and nutrients more intelligently, reduce food waste, dedicate croplands to direct human food production and halt farmland expansion [7].
However, in 2008, the global food crisis saw prices of produce such as wheat, rice and cooking oil rocketed, which lead many analysts to conclude that overpopulation was the culprit [8].
Argument
As far back as 1798, Thomas Malthus predicted that the consequences of a growing human population would lead to falling wages and a food supply crisis in his Essay on the Principle of Population [9].
In a similar way, Lester R. Brown makes direct connections between increasing population numbers, rising food prices, and other environmental concerns such as loss of biodiversity and climate change [10]. Also, more people would inevitably lead to a greater carbon footprint.
He also debates the serious impact of not providing family planning support to those who choose it. Not only in terms of effects on population numbers, but also on other health concerns such as the continued spread of AIDS [11]. Population Matters is a typical example of an organisation which take all of these concerns together and promotes an improved delivery of family planning, sex education, and rights for women [12].
It is foolish to think that human population growth can continue exponentially without having at least some consequences on the Earth’s natural resources which we rely so heavily upon for our survival. Even with advances in technology and careful use of resources, there will inevitably be a breaking point with a disproportionate increase in population. If this were to happen the damage done may already be too late to repair.
Conclusion
It is concluded from this paper that limiting population growth is indeed a key factor to protecting the global environment. However, one should bear in mind that it is not the only factor. Other considerations, such as the avocation of sustainable development, also play a key role in helping to protect the global environment.
Much of the discussion of population control has been linked it to the plight of women in developing countries, in particular discussing women’s control over their own fertility. However, while most agree that better access to family planning, is a positive development, there is strong disagreement about how this matches with the goals of population control advocates.
Nevertheless, it is clear that improved access to birth control would not only mean better health for women, but would also enable the slowing down of excessive growth in populations of which would have a positive impact both on economic development and the environment.
References
[1] Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Population Division, “World Population
Prospects The 2010 Revision – Highlights and Advance Tables”, 2011, United Nations,
New York; pp.xiii.
[2] http://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/worldpopgraph.php
[3] Thomas A. Easton, “Taking Sides – Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental
Issues” (11th Ed.), 2005; McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, Dubuque, IA. pp.213-231.
[4] http://www.pregnantpause.org/overpop/gnp.htm
[5] Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Population Division, “Population
Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development: An International
Perspective”, 2011, United Nations, New York; pp.2
[6] Matthew Connelly, “Fatal Misconception – The Struggle to Control World Population”,
2008; Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts. pp.18-19.
[7] http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/opinion/opinion/122644-feeding-9-billion-people-is-
possible-with-sustainable-farming.html
[8] http://www.globalissues.org/article/758/global-food-crisis-2008
[9] Thomas R. Malthus, “An Essay on the Principle of Population” (6th Ed.), 1826; John
Murray, London. III: XIV; 5.
[10] http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/the-more-we-grow-the-less-able-we-are-
to-feed-ourselves-6162844.html
[11] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs351/en/index.html
[12] http://populationmatters.org/issues-solutions/population/
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