Omole-Ohonsi, (2007) in his study of sub-Saharan Africa confirmed these affects by suggesting that overpopulation of a locality not only damages the environment and sustainability but "feeds the cycle of poverty" (20). Thus, from non-renewable resources to social problems, the effects of overpopulation are large and far-reaching, encouraging a cycle of environmental destruction and poverty.
Ways to Achieve Sustainability
As previously mentioned, overpopulation is a difficult problem to solve because it deals directly with personal rights, beliefs, religions, and attitudes. Regardless, many potential solutions have been discussed and implemented on a local level. Omole-Ohonsi (2007) suggested a government agency to enforce family planning policies, in addition to restructuring attitudes about these policies and overpopulation (22). Warner (2004), however presents the opposite side of the argument by insisting that problems occur in some state mandated family planning programs. While it is true that mandated family planning may work in certain situations, religious, ethical, and other personal beliefs about the issue must be taken into account. With this knowledge, my plan to reach sustainability includes a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing incentives on a nation or cultural group-based model throughout the world. This program would dispatch overpopulation educators to different areas of the world in order to discuss and research ideas about family planning. Simultaneously, these educators would meet with national officials about the problem. Together, the national officials, cultural groups, and educators will develop a plan that is sensitive to the particular group's beliefs regarding family planning. In addition, proper sex...
Finally, the NGO and national government will agree upon a recommendation or mandated family planning procedure, in addition to incentives for following that procedure for each and every country. Benefits of this plan would include attacking the problem at the root, knowledge, and customized plans that preserve rights while achieving sustainability. Challenges to this plan, however, consist of the fact that this plan will be slow in implementation. To design a plan for each nation or cultural group may take time, and could be impractical. Instead, educators may have to focus on targeting regions. Furthermore, the NGO would require global support from other agencies like it, the United Nations, and large powers. While money would eventually come from donors and member dues, at the beginning of its launch, the NGO may need to rely on those willing to contribute to the start-up fund and other similar organizations raising awareness. Furthermore, society must be open to an agency that addresses these issues publicly. Thus, while the problem of overpopulation still exists, this unique and compassionate plan can be well implemented.
References
Khounsary, Ali. (nd). Overpopulation Reasons. Retrieved November 15, 2008, at http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99814.htm
Negative Population Growth. (2008). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved November 15, 2008 at http://www.npg.org/faq.html
Omole-Ohonsi, a. (2007). Family Planning-Solution to Africa's Socioeconomic
Problems. Journal of Medicine and Rehabilitations. Maiden Edition, 20-22.
Warner, Stanley. (2004). Reproductive Liberty and Overpopulation: A Response.
Environmental Values. 13(3), 393-399.
World Population Awareness. (2008, November 9). Sustainability, Carrying Capacity, and Overconsumption. Retrieved November 15, 2008, at http://www.overpopulation.org/solutions.html
World Population Awareness. (2008, October 20). Why Population Matters. Retrieved November 15, 2008, at http://www.overpopulation.org/whyPopMatters.html
Yongquist, Walter and Duncan, Richard C. (2005). Encircling the Peak of World Oil
Production. [Electronic Version] the Social Contract. 15(3), npag.
