Answer to Question 1
Answer: Overpopulation is taxing the capacity of the earth and its natural resources to provide adequate food, water, and energy for the human population. Safe disposal of waste is becoming equally difficult, and our supply of fresh water is declining. Land is being lost to overdevelopment and contamination. Many plant and animal species and entire ecosystems are being lost or harmed by the development and overconsumption of resources that occurs with overpopulation.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Walking, riding a bike, or carpooling will reduce the amount of fuel used (less money spent on gas) and will reduce polluting emissions. Turning off lights when leaving a room and turning off and/or unplugging appliances when not in use will decrease the amount of electricity consumed and lower bills. Planning food purchases so that you buy only what you can eat before the food spoils saves money, as does saving leftovers for another meal, rather than throwing the food away. Properly working toilets and faucets will prevent water waste and decrease your water bills. Using nondisposable cups, dishes, and utensils and recycling as much waste as possible will decrease waste deposited in landfills; reusing water containers will also decrease waste destined for landfills and will save money spent on bottles of water.
Population Losses in the South, 1920–1930
El Anatsui Flag for a New World Power
Disease: Major environmental health problems
Average Annual Growth Rates of Population by Country Group
Animated The one-way flow of energy and cycling of materials in the world of life
Concepts related to environmental health