Population Problems of South Asia (Free Essay Sample)

There are many issues that affect the ever-growing population of the world. Pollution, the availability of natural resources, climate change, and overcrowding are just a few examples. While the world population continues to grow, the number of natural resources decreases, and climate change starts to accelerate because of factory emissions. In 2015, high populations had become such a threat that China had put a limit on how many children a family could have. To solve the issues surrounding population growth in South Asia, people need to cut down on dairy and meat consumption, supply areas with proper sanitation, and invest in solar energy. 

Malnutrition is an imminent threat in many countries. In 20 years, the population of the world is projected to reach 10 billion people. To keep the world’s population sustained, countries will have to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy. Furthermore, according to the World Resources Institute Report, 50 percent more food will be required to feed everyone by 2050. In addition, producing this food would force farmers to change the rest of Earth’s untouched forests into farmland, which would inflict a great amount of damage to Earth’s climate. This increased need for food will also lead to a demand for more factories.  This, in turn, will generate a greater amount of greenhouse gasses. Actively keeping meat and dairy out of peoples’ diets can reduce environmental harm from factories and ensure that the world’s population is fed. 

Population growth in areas such as India and Bangladesh can lead to the contamination of water sources and sanitation problems. When citizens in third-world countries do not have access to plumbing systems and proper toilets, some must rely on disposable toilets or forests. This can lead to bacteria coming in contact with bodies of water that are used for transportation, farming, and drinking. Bacteria found in human waste such as Cryptosporidium (a type of parasite that causes digestive problems) has been found in South Asian countries because of the low amount of people with access to working sewage pipes. Groups such as the Forum of Young Global Leaders and India’s government are working to solve the sanitation problem by installing infrastructure and waste management plans across India. National guidelines and plans are also being implemented to change sanitation behaviors throughout the country. Change is occurring; According to Unicef, in 2019 the number of people without access to toilets had dropped by approximately 450 million.

Highly populated areas such as South Asia contain many greenhouse gas emissions because of the large number of fossil fuels being burned. These emissions can cause smog, acid rain, climate change, and other harmful effects. Solar panels are a beneficial alternative to fossil fuels.  Fossil fuels are a limited resource and will eventually run out. In addition, solar panels cost much less money and will be around for as long as the Sun exists. Lastly, solar panels can improve the general health of cities. Pollutants from factory fumes generate harmful byproducts that can cause health issues such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Malnutrition, sanitation, and greenhouse gas fumes are prominent issues surrounding overpopulation in South Asia. To solve these problems, water filtration systems will have to be installed, dairy and meat consumption must be decreased, and solar panels will have to be utilized in place of fossil fuels in urban areas. People around the world are working to solve these problems and improve the living conditions in South Asia.