Currently the focus or prominent issue debated in the environmental realm is that of global warming. Unfortunately, the conversation is centered on the very existence rather than addressing the ramifications and solutions. I will not entertain the notion that global warming is nonexistent or a liberal social agenda. However, I will concede that the earth has experienced many temperature oscillations or changes in global climate. Furthermore, I would like to simply acknowledge the fact that the earth is undergoing a shift to higher temperatures experienced across the globe. I will not pretend to have absolute causation or explanation; however, I do contend that human global population and environmental impacts are related. The dramatic population explosion, exponential growth, is a reality and should be a global concern.
The human growth rate and population can be best illustrated and described by a “J curve”. The growth rate quickly compounds and results in exponential growth and is illustrated in the provided graph. Interestingly, many animal species naturally reach a carrying capacity. Essentially, a species will find an equilibrium or balance within the environment. There are instances in which the animal population will exceed the carrying capacity and cause a crash in population potentially below carrying capacity but can then rebound to the natural carrying capacity. Typically an animal population is not static and naturally fluctuates above and below carrying capacity. This phenomenon is an interesting aspect to life on earth and I would argue that the human race has yet to reach or define a carrying capacity. Perhaps, we are quickly reaching this juncture and a cataclysmic decline in human population will occur, forcing humans to reach equilibrium. I do not like to be doom and gloom or overly pessimistic about the future. I do believe, if you survey the amount of human ingenuity through out time we will find a solution to human population growth and resource consumption. Possibly the reason we humans have not yet experienced a dramatic decline in population is due to human resourcefulness. Despite my optimistic demeanor, I do contend that societies need to re-evaluate human impacts and implement lifestyle changes for a more sustainable future. 
The environmental pressure as a result of the ever-growing human population is tremendous and needs to be addressed. The pressure and exploitation associated with human population has created resource dilemmas or common dilemmas. Resource dilemmas are defined as situations in which individuals must choose between self-interest and the interests of the community in respect to the environment. (Schneider, Gruman, & Coutts, 2012) I will not go into the details of how the specific resources such as fresh water and air quality are in jeopardy. Rather, I would prefer to examine the current general environmental consciousness and necessary changes to address the global resource dilemma.
It is my contention that the current economic paradigm based on the notion that resources are unlimited is antiquated and is known as the tragedy of the commons. The tragedy of the commons was first introduced by a 19th-century economist Lloyd (Schneider et al, 2012) and states: “when each [person] is locked into a system that compels him to increase his [harvesting] without limit- in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination toward which all [persons] rush, each pursuing his own best interest.” (Schneider et al, 2012) The logical question then to ask our selves as a civilization is: how do we avoid the tragedy of the commons?
I contend that the ultimate solution relies upon a collective shift in the consciousness towards the relationship between humans and the environment. This change will not be an easy effort and will rely on creativity and diligence provided by environmental psychologists to alter the current perception and behavior towards the environment. I believe the shift in attitude and behavior will take interventions designed to influence the youth and stress the importance of sustainability.
Schneider, F.W., Gruman, J.A., & Coutts, L. M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Washington, DC: SAGE Publications.
Graphic:
Carrying Capacity. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.blendspace.com
I really enjoyed reading your perspective on this matter. It is so true that there is a bigger problem that needs attention. You expressed it so eloquently when you stated that a “collective shift in the consciousness” is needed for change to actually occur, especially in the magnitude that might counterbalance the damage that has already been done. While individual efforts truly do matter when it comes to sustainability, there must be a paradigm shift in the way we view our planet, its resources, and its current state. It seems, we as a societal whole behave as if the planet has limitless resources. Our population, consumption, and consumerism are all indicative of this false perception. Thanks for such a thought provoking blog post.
I rather enjoyed reading your overview on the impacts of the human population. It is alarming to see how the carrying capacity of the earth is claimed to be overextended and the various environmental issues we now face are a direct result of our activity. This reminds me of an activity that I participated in for a biological science course, where students were required to view their ecological footprint and several countries in comparison to the United States. At the time, I found that if everyone lived as I did, a total of 3.6 earths would be needed. Even when I reduced some of the activities I participated in, usage of animal products, and switching to some recycled materials, the number of earths required was still 3.2. It is with an exercise like this, that it becomes abundantly clear how the earth’s resources are overused and races towards degradation. This is particularly telling in the United States as its ecological footprint is higher than its biocapacity.
Of course this is only one aspect of such matters. There are other areas to consider, such as higher education, family planning options, access to proper healthcare, and other similar services that work in unison with population growth or its decline. In a teaching exercise offered through the World Bank (n.d.), it noted that providing healthcare and higher education opportunities lowered fertility rates – thus proving to be effective in slowing the population growth rate.
While we will not avoid using necessary resources, it is important that we begin taking steps to become better stewards over the earth we have been given. There are not 3.6 or 3.2 earths to use if this one is depleted, we only have 1 and it’s about time that our behaviors reflect such through sustainable living.
If you are interested in your ecological footprint, you may visit this website: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
Reference:
The World Bank Group. (n.d.) Population growth rate teaching activities (with answers). Retrieved from: http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/teach/pgr.html