Advances in technology, medicine and sanitation have lead to the growth of the human population at an exponential rate. However, unchecked population growth can negatively impact the environment. Aspects of the environment that population growth impacts includes resource use, habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, pollution and public health problems.
Resource Use
A large population puts a great strain on resources. Non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels (including coal and petroleum products) and freshwater, are particularly affected. Areas where access to freshwater is of particular concern include locations in the American West and places in the Middle East.
Habitat Destruction
A growing population requires a lot of space. As populations in cities grow, urban sprawl also grows, resulting in the destruction of critical habitat for a number of plant and animal species. The loss of habitat can result in the encroachment of animals, such as mountain lions, deer and coyotes, into suburban neighborhoods as they have nowhere else to go.
Habitat Fragmentation
Another impact of overpopulation is habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation refers to natural habitats that are broken into separate pieces due to the construction of buildings, roads and other man-made objects. Habitat fragmentation is especially harmful to animal migration routes, as animals are often unable to access a critical portion of their migration pathway due to obstructions.
Pollution
Overpopulation has a negative impact on the environment due to pollution. The more people there are, the more resources they use, and the more pollution that results. This pollution may include air pollution due to increased fossil fuel emissions from vehicles, or land or water pollution due to increased amounts of waste.
Public Health Concerns
In some cases, unchecked population growth may lead to public health problems. For example, in many developing countries, populations do not have access to clean water sources. Water pollution, caused by a lack of proper sanitation, can easily lead to the spread of disease.
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