Question

How does population growth influence urbanisation and environmental degradation?

Answer 1

Urbanisation: As the population grows, more people move to towns and cities in search of jobs and a better life. This increases pressure on housing and infrastructure and can lead to overcrowding and the growth of slum settlements.

Environmental degradation: A larger urban population needs more transport, water, energy, food and land. Increased vehicles and waste contribute to air, water and solid-waste pollution. Meeting rising food needs can also encourage deforestation and intensive farming; the excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides can pollute soil and water. Greater use of fossil fuels raises carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming. Thus, population growth places increasing pressure on natural resources and the urban environment.