You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Overpopulation is the world’s most serious environmental problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

It is a known fact that overpopulation paves the way for numerous environmental problems. I would say it has now evolved as the most serious among the underlying factors which disrupt the environment.

Firstly, it is understood that an increase in population soars the demand of resources. For example, oil, natural gas and natural resources are being used up in an exponential way these days just to meet the increasing demands of a fast-growing population.  Many developing countries are struggling to meet the needs of their exploding population, as evidenced by the exhaustion of these resources there. . It is evident that environmental problems aggravated in the recent centuries, with an increase in birth rate and average life-expectancy. Naturally, this increased the requirements and demands.

An ever-growing population would also lead to an increase in the waste generation, both in the domestic as well as the industrial sectors. The challenge of reusing and recycling non-biodegradable products such as plastic is a growing concern in many countries with overpopulation. Simultaneously, pollution from vehicles and industries is becoming unimaginable in nations which struggle to meet the needs of their growing population. In the past, for instance, a millennium ago, when the population was scanty, there were very less incidents of environmental pollution.

I admit the fact that there exist other factors such as surplus production and scientific experiments which lead to environmental problems. Natural phenomena like volcanic eruption can also cause this. However, man as the primary cause for the environmental issues, these factors cannot be considered as the most serious issues.

To conclude, there are many factors that cause environmental problems these days, which includes both humans and nature. However, I feel the worst issue results from overpopulation by means of increasing demand and pollution.

Word count: 292