Over Population The impact of over-population is more widespread than most Americans realize. With an average of over 200,000 more people being added to this planet daily, an effect on the environment is inevitable. I believe over-population has more of a negative effect than positive. Issues such as depletion of natural resources, over-crowding, and the spread of diseases are why I am so concerned about this epidemic. With such a rapid average growth in population, natural resources are dwindling. Our country does not have enough resources to provide for the people. In return, we are cutting down forests to use those resources for fuel. The forests were a natural protection to our planet from global warming. Since they are being destroyed, we are no longer protected. Also, species are becoming extinct because we are destroying their natural habitats. A large percentage of the population lives in poverty and these families are growing rapidly. Some parents from low-income families cannot afford to properly provide the needs of their children. This is causing a rise in mal-nourishment. These children are going without nutrients they need which in turn causes health problems. These health problems go untreated because the families cannot afford health care. Again, this affects everyone because those that have jobs end up having to pay higher health premiums to provide for those that cannot pay for their own medical services. We are also affected because untreated conditions can lead to the spread of diseases. Overcrowding is another issue that arises with our growing population. As a parent, I am particular concerned with the overcrowding of schools. We must provide a free public education to everyone, but we may not have enough teachers to have balanced classrooms that are not crowded. This will affect the quality of education that our children will receive. Teachers will spend more time on discipline than educating and the teachers will have to teach to the majority, no matter if there are both high and low level performers in the class. With over-population, we face a shortage of jobs. This can cause a shift in some peoples’ economic status. Also, people may be forced to commute farther distances just to find employment. With more people on the roads, more pollutants and harmful fuels are being released into the air. Also, housing has to be provided for the growing population which brings me back to an issue I mentioned before, the depletion of natural resources and global warming. More trees and natural areas will have to be cut down for housing, factories, parking lots, and other man-made things which will lessen our natural resources and protection from harm from the environment. Conflicts will rise because of over-population. The more people there are, the more views and opinions we will have. This can be on a small or large scale. Imagine group projects at school. The more people there are in a group, the harder it is to ever agree on anything. The same can be true large scale such as with political issues. Many disagreements or conflicts have caused wars because unanimous decisions cannot be made. This is particular alarming with the threat of nuclear weapons and materials that can cause mass destruction. As a Christian, I believe one of our main purposes as human beings is to reproduce. However, I also feel that we have to use common since as we begin to start families. We need to make sure that we are able to financially provide for our families. We also, as a family, can choose to make decisions that will lessen our carbon footprint. I personally am facing the challenge on becoming more involved in the effects of overpopulation on the environment. Together I am confident we can make a difference.