Biodiversity and overpopulation: The correlation
There are many factors that lead to the increase in overpopulation, such as the increase in births, decrease in mortality rates, medical advancements, increase in agricultural productivity, increase in immigration, and the depletion of resources (Samuel, 2014).
Due to all of these factors, some causation has occurred; that is decreasing biodiversity. For example, due to overpopulation, the level of the atmospheric carbon dioxide is rising, causing global warming, pollution, increased demand for resources, starvation and malnutrition. Overpopulation affects the environment, where the number of people outweighs the resources needed to fulfil their needs. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity has increased. The correlation established is hence that as overpopulation increases, biodiversity decreases (Etim, 2014).
Effects of overpopulation: A Closer look at Cairo
According to World Population Statistics, Egypt ranks as the third most populated country in Africa, and the most populated country in the Middle East. This severe overpopulation has implications on the country, and particularly Cairo. To begin with, it has resulted in an increase in pollution levels. According to World Health Organization, Egypt is the sixth most polluting country in the world. Environmental issues include air, water, and noise pollution, which all have negative effects on the country's population.
Another prevalent effect of overpopulation in Cairo is Economic growth hindrance. Although a large population means a large working force, much of this labor is unable to find jobs. The number of people searching for jobs outweighs the number of available vacancies, resulting in a 13 % unemployment in the country (Trading Economics, 2013). This results in greater pressure on the government, as it would need to support the unemployed and provide them with needs and benefits.
In addition, overpopulation causes pressure on the country's limited and scarce resources, resulting in unfair distribution of resources and food shortages. Other implications of the problem are road congestion, social conflicts, and a rising cost of living as demands on resources increase.
Overpopulation solutions
Every problem must have a solution, and there are some suggested solutions to overpopulation. To start off with, countries should raise awareness on the seriousness of the issue. The population must be aware of the social and environmental implications of overpopulation in order for any suggested solutions to be effective. This could be done through awareness campaigns on television, radio, or even posters and brochures. Education is also necessary, as Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Children in schools must be educated about the hazards of overpopulation, and at an older age, must be taught about contraceptive and birth control methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Next comes the importance of family planning. Couples must decide on the number of children they want, and must be aware of contraceptive methods of birth control, to avoid any "accidents". A firmer method would be adopting a two-child family policy, where governments impose limits on the amount of children allowed by each family. The law could be enforced by setting fines for families who break the law, or even confiscate property and belongings. This could reduce the number of births significantly in an overpopulated country.
Another solution, which aims to redistribute the population rather than decrease it, is to have "sister cities" built outside of Cairo to utilize the empty land. As a matter of fact, Egyptians occupy only 4% of the land, with major regional disparities between urban and rural areas. Redistribution away from the narrow Valley and congested Delta would be a step forward to reduce the congestion in major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria.
There are many factors that lead to the increase in overpopulation, such as the increase in births, decrease in mortality rates, medical advancements, increase in agricultural productivity, increase in immigration, and the depletion of resources (Samuel, 2014).
Due to all of these factors, some causation has occurred; that is decreasing biodiversity. For example, due to overpopulation, the level of the atmospheric carbon dioxide is rising, causing global warming, pollution, increased demand for resources, starvation and malnutrition. Overpopulation affects the environment, where the number of people outweighs the resources needed to fulfil their needs. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity has increased. The correlation established is hence that as overpopulation increases, biodiversity decreases (Etim, 2014).
Effects of overpopulation: A Closer look at Cairo
According to World Population Statistics, Egypt ranks as the third most populated country in Africa, and the most populated country in the Middle East. This severe overpopulation has implications on the country, and particularly Cairo. To begin with, it has resulted in an increase in pollution levels. According to World Health Organization, Egypt is the sixth most polluting country in the world. Environmental issues include air, water, and noise pollution, which all have negative effects on the country's population.
Another prevalent effect of overpopulation in Cairo is Economic growth hindrance. Although a large population means a large working force, much of this labor is unable to find jobs. The number of people searching for jobs outweighs the number of available vacancies, resulting in a 13 % unemployment in the country (Trading Economics, 2013). This results in greater pressure on the government, as it would need to support the unemployed and provide them with needs and benefits.
In addition, overpopulation causes pressure on the country's limited and scarce resources, resulting in unfair distribution of resources and food shortages. Other implications of the problem are road congestion, social conflicts, and a rising cost of living as demands on resources increase.
Overpopulation solutions
Every problem must have a solution, and there are some suggested solutions to overpopulation. To start off with, countries should raise awareness on the seriousness of the issue. The population must be aware of the social and environmental implications of overpopulation in order for any suggested solutions to be effective. This could be done through awareness campaigns on television, radio, or even posters and brochures. Education is also necessary, as Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Children in schools must be educated about the hazards of overpopulation, and at an older age, must be taught about contraceptive and birth control methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Next comes the importance of family planning. Couples must decide on the number of children they want, and must be aware of contraceptive methods of birth control, to avoid any "accidents". A firmer method would be adopting a two-child family policy, where governments impose limits on the amount of children allowed by each family. The law could be enforced by setting fines for families who break the law, or even confiscate property and belongings. This could reduce the number of births significantly in an overpopulated country.
Another solution, which aims to redistribute the population rather than decrease it, is to have "sister cities" built outside of Cairo to utilize the empty land. As a matter of fact, Egyptians occupy only 4% of the land, with major regional disparities between urban and rural areas. Redistribution away from the narrow Valley and congested Delta would be a step forward to reduce the congestion in major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria.