Environmental Science - population management Essay

Environmental Science - population management - Essay Example Nature can only sustain us for so long; although its resources do regenerate to a certain degree, humans have to consider the stress sustained to the environment because of our increasing numbers. Our dangerously limited carrying capacity is having an adverse effect on natural resources, thereby necessitating population management through such policies as adaptive management. Carrying capacity of the world is quickly coming to a dangerous level. Advanced technology and new scientific breakthroughs have provided a quality of life hard to give up in the developed and stable parts of the world. With increased resources, conveniences, and various other means of enjoyment at our finger tips, we have become accustomed and even dependent on such lifestyles. Humans are continuing to multiply, all the while abusing resources and depleting and consuming them at an alarming rate. The increased consumption of natural resources is not only putting a strain on the environment but also causing mult iple global issues. For example, increased consumption in only the industrialized countries of the world, has contribute more than 40% global carbon emissions and over 60% carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion in the atmosphere (Global Population and Environment). The use of fossil energy like, oil, gas, and coal, has led to an increase in economy and quality of life propelling population growth and in turn reinforcing increased consumption in a vicious cycle (Pimentel et. al.). Also, all over the world, increased land, water, and biological consumption have caused serious strains on natural resources. The continuous use of land for agricultural purposes to support our dietary needs has led to the loss of sustainable land due to degradation and erosion (Pimentel et. al.). The increased erosion rates have resulted in poor soil quality, lower nutrient levels and decreased soil renewal. This has led to food shortages in the developing nations, giving rise to diseases and malnutrit ion. Increased water consumption and urbanization patterns have led to the scarcity of clean drinking water. This shortage is further propelled by the depletion and slow recharge rate of groundwater and increased water pollution through toxic and agricultural wastes (Pimentel et. al.). Lastly, humans are also dependent on other species to maintain the growth and function of ecosystems around the world. Due to our increased pollution, degradation of land, and deforestation, we have significantly destroyed and decreased earth’s biodiversity (Pimentel et. al.). Population increase has led to the very destruction of the environment and natural resources we are highly dependent on. When looking at population management, the maximum sustainable yield has to be greatly considered. There is a limit to how much nature can yield, such as water, energy, and various biological resources, before it is exhausted and depleted. Populations are increasing worldwide and putting a strain on the environment’s sustainability. For example, despite China’s one child policy by the government, its inhabitants are still growing at an annual rate of approximately 1.2% (Pimentel et. al.)The environment does not have unlimited resources at its disposable with which to sustain and provide for us. The rates at which these resources are being used up far exceed the speed at which they are recycled, regenerated, and recovered. It only took forty years since 1950 for the human population to double from 2.5 to 5 billion (Population Growth Over Human History).