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Page added on March 20, 2014
Overpopulation: An Overlooked Factor in Global Health
New research suggests that population growth is driving numerous global health crises, yet it’s rarely factored into the equation.
The world’s population currently stands at 7.15 billion people and has the potential to double in the next 50 years. In the U.S., there’s one birth every eight seconds and one death every 12 seconds.
With an ever-growing population on a finite earth, the issue of overpopulation should be a major concern when evaluating how we’ll be able to feed and care for the masses.
But it’s not.
Camilo Mora, an assistant professor of geography in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, reviewed nearly 200 research articles and found that population is being “downplayed and trivialized,” despite its biological impact and its fundamental role in human welfare.
In the U.S. alone, unintended pregnancies are responsible for $11 billion in public spending each year.
‘The Picture Isn’t Pretty’
Mora’s research, published in the journal Ecology and Society, suggests that major health crises won’t be fixed if researchers continue to ignore burgeoning birth rates and declining death rates.
“In a planet with limited resources and a sensitive climate, with most of its natural resources being overexploited and its economic systems overstressed, meeting the additional demands of a growing human population without destroying the Earth and our social systems will be one of the greatest tests to humanity in the years to come,” Mora concluded.
Doomsday scenarios aside, Mora said diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria will continue to spread, mainly through unsafe behaviors linked to overpopulation: high-risk sexual practices, a lack of access to contraception, and an increase in the number of sex workers.
In Africa, extreme poverty has forced many women into the “sex for fish” trade, in which they have sex with local fishermen in exchange for a portion of the daily catch. Because these woman have inadequate access to contraceptives and safer-sex tools, this practice increases the spread of HIV and makes unwanted pregnancies more likely.
“People are forced to do these things. There’s no way to dig people out of this kind of poverty,” Mora told Healthline. “When you get a perspective, the picture isn’t pretty.”
Learn About the Life Expectancy of an HIV Patient »
Is One Child Enough?
In his paper, Mora pointed to the case of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has 22 grandchildren. If each of Romney’s children were to follow in his footsteps, he and his wife, Ann, would be responsible for creating 124 people in just four generations.
While the Romneys have the financial capacity to provide food, education, and healthcare for a flock as large as theirs, they are in the minority.
The average ideal family used to be 2.1 children: one to replace each parent and 0.1 to account for child mortality rates. Now that child mortality rates have dropped and medical advances have helped more people living longer, Mora suggests that the average family have only one child.
“Everything has to go down to women and how many children they have,” he says. “In some countries, that isn’t an option.”
With scientific literacy in the U.S. and other developed countries falling below 17 percent, few people consider the ramifications of their family size and the impact it has on earth’s future.
While one-child mandates may be perceived as fodder for science fiction—or as the practice of oppressive governments—Mora says changing social norms are the better way to go.
“People need to look at the total impact,” he says. “The more people you have, the fewer services you have to go around.”
23 Comments on "Overpopulation: An Overlooked Factor in Global Health"
Davy, Hermann, MO on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 1:45 am
There is no hope for status quo BAU with a population already in overshoot and continuing to grow. What is worse is the best and brightest are arguing either for more population for economic reasons. We have to have young people to grow and support the aging population for example. There are others who arguing an educated world will stabilize and the worst effects of overpopulation will be solved with development and technology. Then there is the Christian and Muslim religions that make it a matter of faith to procreate. Very few articles today come right out and say a rising population will lead to collapse. I am seeing more articles making dire warning on population very recently so there may be a trend establishing. The other issue I see with population is the remarks that population will grow to such and such level in the future. I never see an article say population will decline to 3 billion by 2020. I guess that is too doomer for status quo BAU.
noobtube on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 2:51 am
Another article by the master race promoters to point fingers everywhere but where the problem is.
It’s simple.
Poor countries can have more babies because they use fewer (order of magnitude) resources. As the resources decline, so will the birth rate.
Rich countries (ie. Europe/United States/Japan) cannot afford more babies because the consumption levels are sky-high and totally unsustainable.
As Dmitry Orlov noted, the United States (by extension Europe) provides no value to the world and lots of harm. So, the world needs a lot fewer Americans and Europeans than Africans/South Americans.
That is the logical, natural way population must go.
If there must be babies, then… fewer rich babies, and more poor babies. It is the only way the earth will survive.
Makati1 on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 3:19 am
The West consumes over 40% of the world’s resources. Kill off that billion and there would be room for a few more billion in the rest of the world and still have a better life style.
Maybe the war the US is trying to start in Europe will work?
perfector on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 4:36 am
If you went by the constant propaganda about “birth dearths”, “demographic winters” and the like you’d think the world was facing an underpopulation problem. Which is utter nonsense, but perhaps just a case of wishful thinking.
Underpopulation means the opportunity for growth. Overpopulation means the necessity of decline. You can see why people would prefer to believe the former.
Just look at Japan. When I mention to people that perhaps Japan might benefit from a low birthrate, being overpopulated, several people have told me that Japan is actually underpopulated at this moment. All the media misinformation about population has done its job.
Davy, Hermann, MO on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 12:24 pm
Sorry, Noob and Makati, no more population period. Another thing concerning your view of the rich and poor in the world. I agree with the observation if the 1% in the rich world is focused on. The global ecosystem human and natural do not need the energy intensity of these folks period. I would dare say the economy has been ruined by the 1% by their greed and globalization policies. They act like they are the reason things are humming along with growth and wealth creation. In most cases they are nothing more than decision makers when the real wealth generation is from bellow. I might add there are plenty of very wealthy in and from the 3rd world. In so many cases these are the people raping their prospective country the most. The US lower middle class in many cases is not much worse than many consumers in the 3rd world. If you were to take away this middle class ability to consume they would not be so negative. It is the system in the rich world that creates these dynamics of over consumption. I would again add that they very rapid rise of the middle class in Asia makes them no different for the rich world at this middle class level. In fact the size of the middle class in Asia is currently 500MIL a growing to be double US population soon. I guess Noob and Makati, this is ok because they are not American. They are responsible, sustainable, and resilient, yea right,,,,gotcha. As one example how about the trend to extinction of the global shark population because of the Chinese middle class taste for fin soup! Multiple that many times over. No, sorry, not buying the US/Bad the rest of world fine argument. The rest of the world middle class is no better and that is where the real growth is. Plenty of exploitation in the rest of the world. On the question of more poor babies this statement is totally wrong. In nearly all cases poor countries are in overshoot and cannot even properly take care of their populations now. Local environments are being stripped bare from locust like activity. The growth rates are set to skyrocket. It is the most profound danger to the world now. The rich world will soon suffer a strong contraction that will stunt and decline consumption and population rates. The end of globalism is near. The 3rd world is set to grow population until famine wipes them out. I call that a runaway train. BTW I am getting tiered of the Orlov US bashing. Why did he move to the US if he hates this place. These narrow focused people destroy their arguments by lack of balance. Lack of balance is not scientific it is just as bad as MSM in my mind
Kenz300 on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 1:33 pm
The worlds poorest people are having the most children.
They have not figured out the connection between their poverty and family size.
If you can not provide for yourself you can not provide for a child.
Access to family planning services needs to be available to all that want it.
MSN fanboy on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 2:55 pm
“locust like activity”: Davy is correct Noob and Makati. All these poor babies, or a greater majority will aspire to an American lifestyle, consuming just as much. Having more poorer babies is a retarded statement lol suppose quality of life doesn’t matter does it noob?
No. Davy is correct and points to the obvious flaws in your argument’s.
The eastern middleclass will consume more before this ‘global society’ crashes. Moving greater populations to a higher consumption (china) will make the U.S. look rather tame in its consumption of resources. Yes, Americans will consume twice as much, but there will only be a fifth of them doing this. Not 1 BILLION.
MSN fanboy on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 2:56 pm
And of course Davy, consumerism is “Locust like activity” Tell me what ‘GREAT’ civilisation doesn’t do the same.
Boat on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 2:58 pm
Why not just genetically alter babies so they are earth friendly and to dumb to do anything but plant and hoe. That way we can pack more of them in. Sarcasm intended.
noobtube on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 3:37 pm
I guess Europeans, but especially, Americans have not figured out the connection between their consumerism and their debt-filled lives. Yet they still drive-shop-consume and then turn around and blame African villagers for eating rice and beans.
It is irrelevant whether you think South Americans/Africans, poor people are good or bad.
The results are there for all to see…
birth rates are declining in the most wasteful societies (American/European/Japanese) and China will soon follow as it moves its populations into the consumerist (dead-end) lifestyle.
You can’t have it both ways. Either you want to trash, pollute, and waste or you want babies. Which is more important to you?
Clearly, Americans/Europeans/Japanese and now the Chinese want the stuff, so they must sacrifice the people. Well, the laws of nature will oblige you.
Africans/South Americans want the people. And, the Earth will oblige them.
Rich and no babies or poor and lots of babies.
You can’t have rich AND lots of babies or you will destroy the planet’s ability to support human life.
It’s like the difference between having 10 billion birds or a billion blue whales. The Earth can easily support 10 billion birds, or deer, or buffalo, or zebras. It cannot support 1 billion blue whales. Americans/Europeans/Japanese and now the Chinese consume like blue whales. By comparison, Africans consume like birds.
The Earth is already in the process of natural selection. And, it is no longer selecting the Americans/Europeans/Japanese.
J-Gav on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 6:25 pm
The more people, the more pressure on finite resources and less energy per capita available. Those who believe this is leading to a nice place are delusional. What to do about it is another kettle of fish …
Davy – I get annoyed with Orlov too sometimes – the Russian language is richer, the US is less prepared, etc. he’s not all wrong though and, as for his moving to the US, it was his parents’ decision when he was a youngster, not his. And he understandably got pissed off about all the Western gloating over the collapse of the Soviet Union which, though he recognized as an untenable blob, still had a few things going for it that the West might to pay attention to. So, if you read his books, he’s not really totally anti-U.S., he does in fact give some useful advice as to what might be done to soften the ‘transition.’ I think he knows that a sudden and total collapse of the U.S., however corrupt things have become, is not a desirable outcome. People who believe that if the U.S. magically disappeared, everything would be just fine with the world are delusional but I don’t think Dmitry is one of them.
perfector on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 8:11 pm
Even the poorest Africans or South Americans cannot keep having “lots of babies” forever. That’s absurd. Soon they will reach the point where they have to choose to have far fewer babies, like those in wealthier nations are now. Or see their death rate absolutely skyrocket.
noobtube on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 8:32 pm
But, the population problem is not with the poorest Africans or South Americans.
The problem is with the United States and Europeans.
That is the population problem.
Why are Americans (or Europeans) even pointing at Africans or South Americans?
If the Americans (or Europeans) are so worried about too many babies, then they can just stop having them. Voila. Problem solved. Then you can work on the huge pollution and waste problems of the existing Americans and Europeans.
But, to talk about the poorest Africans or South Americans as if they even register on the list of the world’s problems, is to show no interest in solving any problems at all. And, actually, just shows that racist/elitist/clueless mentality that is all too prevalent in America and Europe. Why take responsibility for your own actions when you can just blame poor brown people. Look how many problems that has solved so far.
The Earth can’t handle any more American/European babies. Really, I don’t think the Earth can handle the Americans or Europeans it has now. Not until they get their act together and quit being a burden on everyone and everything (too bad the Chinese are going to have to learn this lesson the hard way) will they be able to survive.
Davey on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 9:28 pm
BS noob, your being racist! The answer is qualitative and quantitative. In a world not over populated and in overshoot the poorest are not a significant issue. Yet today overpopulation and overshoot are the issue. With the poor of the world rapidly populating food, water, and energy issues are multiplying besides the normal problems of being poor. The rich developed world is heading for a contraction that will greatly curtail their consumption. This may happen within 10 years. Sure new Americans and Europeans are a big issue for global sustainability because of excessive consumption but don’t tell me the other 5 billion is not an issue. Further growth rates are dropping and in some cases are going negative in developed world.
FriedrichKling on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 10:33 pm
Noobtube, the fact of the matter is that those 3rd world innocent souls you so admire aspire to live in a McMansion, drive a hummer, and accumulate all of the material toys associated with “rich”. If Europe and America are the problem, than you should disavow all that has been created by these societies. Perhaps you should begin by discarding your computer
You are clearly a caucasian racist.
FriedrichKling on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 10:34 pm
Great comments, Davey!!!
Davey on Thu, 20th Mar 2014 10:57 pm
Thanks fried,
Not claiming Americans are exceptional nor they have no sin, just not going to lay down and be bad mouthed unjustly.
Yeti on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 12:28 am
Well noob, the only one here saying the poor are to blame is you.
If I’m not mistaken, one of the things on the priority list of those concerned about sustainability is the reduction of gross poverty(<$2/day). These people are trapped in a self-defeating cycle that can be greatly helped by a modest increase in income and education.
You say they want these babies, why don't you ask one of those women giving sexual favors for food how they feel about their local population situation and just how much control they have over their own bodies.
Makati1 on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 2:35 am
Davy, it’s not only the 1%, it’s the 10% under them that consumes most of the resources of the world. It is the Western nations that are the gluttons and the wasters. Nothing is wasted in a 3rd world country. Nothing. I know. I see how a 3rd world country lives.
My thoughts about the US are no different than those of any country not the US. They see the greed, waste, and hate that pours out of the 50 states for what it is, not what they are told it is.
FriedrichKling on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 4:20 am
Yeah Makati1, and as I commented above the 3rd world innocents are striving to become the “gluttons and wasters” you so decry. Your argument is pure nonsense.
Kenz300 on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 5:02 am
Bringing a baby into the world and not being able to provide for it………………
Overpopulation leads to more hunger, poverty and despair.
Makati1 on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 12:25 pm
Fred, are you Papasmurf? ^_^
Luckily, the 3rd world has not succeeded in becoming totally Westernized. Here in the Philippines, wealth is concentrated in a few small areas. Over the last six years I have seen the obesity problem moving into Manila. But, it is only the wealthy few who are enjoying the luxury of health problems from eating too much.
Interesting enough, it is still the Caucasians who seem to have the biggest bellies and the overhanging rolls. Slim Europeans and Americans seem to be in the minority here, and probably in their native countries also. I’m going back to the US in a few weeks to visit. It has been two years so I will see some real change, probably. And not to the good. But…
Davy, Hermann, MO on Fri, 21st Mar 2014 12:28 pm
Makati, go to China and check out the middle class there and tell me about obese. What is even worse, check their blood for toxicity. Check their lung and heart damage. Check the ppm in their fat tissue. Let me know what you think