<Author>Aaron</Author>
<Topic>The World Population</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
In the early 1970's, a book popular among social scientists and other intellectuals was published. Entitled The Population Bomb, it predicted widespread global catastrophe by the turn of the twenty-first century, caused by a population that would far exceed the earth's carrying capacity.
Fortunately, the prophecies of The Population Bomb and its "gloom-and-doom" adherents have proved to be greatly exaggerated. However, there is little doubt that overpopulation is a serious problem, particularly in the undeveloped and developing world.
Many African countries, as well as Indonesia, India, and China, consider overpopulation their biggest problem. These countries realize that, at some point, their population will exceed their area and resources. They are already feeling some effects of overpopulation. In some countries, overpopulation is already very serious.
Clearly, measures must be taken to curb population growth. China and its one child policy has been the most successful of all overpopulated nations. However, even China's success has been moderate, as its population is still growing (albeit at a decreased rate). China's relocation efforts (which include providing incentives for those in densely populated areas to move to sparsely populated areas) and economical use of land have also been helpful.
Other nations sometimes turn to relief agencies for access to contraception, sterilization, education, and other measures. However, the ethics of such issues always provide problems.
With continued effort and awareness, the world will find a humane and effective way to stop overpopulation. Until then, humanity can only keep trying with the most effective methods known.
