Population Growth: A Threat to the Environment

There is a direct correlation between population growth and environmental degradation. The bigger the population, the more resources are needed, resulting in increasing the burden on the environment and aggravating environmental problems with regard to food, water, energy, and land. As resource demand rises, it can cause resource depletion and environmental degradation, which can not only pose detrimental effects on people’s quality of life but also increased conflicts, and a higher risk of large-scale disasters like pandemics. Today, Pakistan’s population is expanding quickly, placing a lot of strain on the country’s natural resources which is contributing to environmental degradation. These environmental concerns are posing a great threat to the country’s development since they are harming economic growth, food security, and public health. Thus, the aim of this opinion piece is to understand how Pakistan’s population growth is contributing to environmental degradation and what kind of practical solutions should be taken to reduce it. 

Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world, and the rapid population growth is increasing the demand for infrastructure, food, water, and energy. The persistent overuse of natural resources has resulted in unprecedented levels of environmental degradation, including the extinction of important ecosystems and biodiversity. The population of the country is blowing up day by day, ultimately causing an environmental calamity such as deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion. Similarly, climate change has made these issues worse, and as a result, the country is currently facing more frequent and severe droughts and floods which have a significant impact on a country’s agriculture, economy, and infrastructure. 

Population growth in Pakistan has led to a loss in social infrastructure, adverse effects on the environment, poor quality of life, excessive resource consumption, and urbanization. As the population grows, more people are moving to urban areas which leads to overcrowding and pollution. Inadequate access to resources and overcrowding are contributing to the spread of diseases, which is also having a detrimental effect on public health. Resources are becoming more scarce and as a result, the competition is growing, which has also led to a rise in crimes. If the country’s crime rate keeps increasing, there may be less safety, slower economic development, and less money spent on things like education and healthcare. Besides, economic deficits are expanding as a result of a growing population’s increased need for energy, transportation, heating, and cooling, which raises the consumption of fossil fuels and causes air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the increased demand for water for human and agricultural use is resulting in a scarcity of water resources, which is producing environmental concerns and this condition is getting worse with each passing year. The country’s most recent economic study for Pakistan has brought attention to the country’s deteriorating climate. According to experts, environmental degradation costs Pakistan’s economy more than PKR 365 billion annually. As a result, problems such as poor access to sanitation and hygiene, poor quality of agricultural soil, indoor and outdoor air pollution, deforestation, and inadequate water supply are occurring. In fact, Pakistan’s environmental challenges over the past few decades have significantly hampered the growth of both its economy and its people.

Since people require more resources like food, water, and energy, the country’s big and expanding population is placing significant strain on its environmental resources. Pollution, deforestation, and climate change are just a few negative effects that could be resulting from this. Many individuals are concerned that the increasing population will eventually lead to environmental disasters. However, the issue is deeper and more complicated and this is an understandable fear because a quick look at the circumstantial evidence certainly shows that as the population has increased, the health of the environment has decreased. Urbanization, energy use, air, water, and noise pollution have all contributed to environmental degradation, and neglecting it can have disastrous repercussions. 

Despite the fact that population growth has accelerated in the 20th and 21st centuries, it is still possible to slow, halt, and limit it by taking steps that advance country justice and increase people’s quality of life. Adopting a policy of reducing family size and empowering those who cannot make this decision independently is one of the most effective ways we can take to prevent environmental degradation. If it occurs, fewer people will live here than there are now. Reducing food waste, using energy-efficient and modern appliances, promoting the use of public transportation, educating people about reproductive health, encouraging sustainable agricultural, and forestry practices, and investing in renewable energy sources are a few additional pragmatic solutions to lessen environmental degradation brought on by population growth. Furthermore, it’s critical to support laws and programs that encourage sustainability and educate others about environmental preservation’s value. If there is irresponsibility or negligence in this regard, then it’s devastating ramifications will start to show up soon and could prove to be dangerous for the nation and the country in general. 

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.