This analysis explores the problem of overpopulation in modern times, and delves into

some potential ideas on how to solve this. First, it must be explained where this is arising, and
why it is occurring. Following that, the solutions will be provided having been put in context.
The term overpopulation is used to describe an area in which a species’ population has
become so large, it has outgrown the carrying capacity afforded to it. As it stands, our ecological
footprint is too large for the biocapactiy of the planet— humans use 24% of the earth’s NPP of
biomass. Looking at the patterns revealed in the figures provided, one deduces that the
population density and amount of agricultural land use cause the highest usage of NPP.
Additionally, areas that are considered developing nations (also rural) have the highest growth
rates. This is largely due to the lack of education, empowerment, and family planning services
for women, and a higher child mortality rate caused by lacking heath care. These nations are
also in the midst of industrializing, which offers an artificially extended carrying capacity at the
cost of the environment. Thus, to work towards the semblance of a logistic growth curve that is
within out true carrying capacity, it stand to reason that these factors must be remedied. The
need to decrease the TFR in developing nations to reach replacement fertility is warranted.
Increasing urbanization decreases TFR, as reflected in the figures given, which should
(debatably, as cultural differences are present) ultimately lead to a demographic transition
causing parents to opt for less offspring due to low mortality rates. The governments of these
developing nations also face democratic fatigue related to population growth challenges, which
leaves matters worse as they struggle to cope. Thus, overconsumption and population growth
control (and density) are the major problems at play. Regulation of resource usage and defusing
of population bombs in developing nations is key. Earth doesn’t hold enough resources to
sustain 7 billion people at the North American standard of living, and our number continues to
climb.
As mentioned previously, some solutions have already been tested and are shown to
work. Educating, empowering, and giving women access to family planning is currently the most
effective means used to decrease TFR. Increasing health systems and child survival is also
promising. However, looking at supplementary courses of action is always prudent. While
population growth will level off, and the earth will reach a peak (estimated 9-12 billion)(ref), it is
important to minimize this and to make sure the eventual stabilized population is supported. As
is stands, we make enough food to feed the world already (ref). Our distribution of said food is
just not based on need, so people go hungry as others overconsume. Having systems that put
people and the environment before profit is key going forward. Having government controlled
basic needs could be an option, like universal food programs, subsidies for growing sustainable
food instead of lawns, protection of natural resources from corporations (eg, selling our fresh
water for profit in bottles), and programs that increase aid in developing nations to lessen
democratic fatigue and time spent in rapid growth. Theoretically, a “United Federation of Earth”
model would likely be best for the planet. Erasing the imaginary lines in which we divide the
world would increase cooperation, and pool our resources for appropriate management. Our
inability to use the technology we have efficiently and intelligently is a problem too. More
traditional agriculture means more emissions and biodiversity loss (ref). It already accounts for a
large portion of our land use, and causes an unsustainable amount of emissions (animal based
especially) and water usage (ref). Utilizing hydroponic technology in high-rise structures would
conserve more water than open air farming (ref). Developing lab gown meats and transitioning
into more plant based diets would have a major impact in that same vein. All of this, of course,
powered by green, renewable energy. Last, but a substantial solution, would be tapping into one
of the largest sustainable sources of protein in the world—insects (ref). If action is taken in the
direction of these solutions, earth’s population will become more sustainable.