The Issue of Population Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Issue of Population Growth - Essay Example There is only so much room left on the planet where humans can expand as well as use to grow food. The aspect of supply and demand is always in motion as producers try to keep up with the increasing demands associated with large populations. In particular, corn is one of the most commonly used and exported crops that are used around the world. Not only is corn used as a food supply for both humans and for livestock, but also it is also valued for its use in ethanol. This adds to an increase in the supply and demand, which is becoming detrimental to society as society uses resources more quickly than they can be replaced by both nature and society (Lehmijoki and Palokangas). As a result of becoming a more developed society, there are also consequences happening in the physical world. One of the first aspects in which the world started feeling the consequences of human expansion began with the breakdown of the ozone layer due to the use of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons. Since then, many more toxic fumes have been dumped into the atmosphere messing with the equilibrium that has been maintained in our atmosphere. In addition, the world needs the energy to run. Society has been consumed with obtaining natural resources that are not quickly renewable such as oil and gas. This has resulted in accidents such as the Exxon Valdez and the Deep Horizons incident that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico (Hall and John). Strip mining, especially in Africa, leaves the landscape scarred by mining for coal and other precious metals. Lakes and rivers are being harnessed for hydroelectric power, however, these freshwater resources are drying up due to overuse, which then affects c rops and living areas leading to desertification.