The human population is increasing at an exponential rate. This means that its growth is proportional to its current size. The larger the population is, the more rapid the growth — much like a snowball rolling downhill. This rapid growth is vital because of the impact it has on our world. Humans are in a state of overpopulation.

Understanding Overpopulation
Overpopulation occurs when the population of a species exceeds the level that can be supported by its ecosystem. Once this level is reached, the environment is deteriorated. This loss of resources then causes decreased quality of life. If population growth is not halted, a population crash will occur. This is when mortality rates in the dominant species skyrocket and viable offspring are rarely produced (Dictionary.com Unabridged, n.d.).

Overpopulation becomes a critical issue when the impact of human activity upon the environment is considered. Human activities, also called land use, cause stressors within an ecological habitat. These stressors then cause a biological response (Hughes, 2008). Much of the time, these responses are negative. Humans are depleting natural resources and degrading the environment. Environmentalists and ecologists are concerned with human overpopulation because evidence of environmental deterioration is all around us. We can see it in the permanent loss of resources, despeciation, and pollution.

Activities that result in environmental disturbance include urban and residential development, forestry, agriculture, and mining. Even recreation has a negative impact. These disturbances lead to changes in habitat structure, water flow, deposition of sediments, availability of nutrients, decreased oxygen, temperature, and level of toxins. All of these then cause a response within the ecosystem. The responses could include loss of species, mutations, and wildlife die-offs (Hughes, 2008, p. 8).

Resource Depletion
Mankind’s primary energy source is fossil fuels, or crude oil, coal, and natural gas. Crude oil and natural gas were formed from the compression of marine microorganisms on the sea bed over millions of years. Coal was created in a similar fashion, except that it occurred on land. Layers of vegetation and organic material were formed as plants died and new ones grew. Over time the weight of new layers compressed the ones underneath. Eventually this compression created coal. Supplies are finite because of the length of time required to create them. Once the current supplies are depleted, mankind will have to find alternate sources of energy.

Despeciation
Ecosystems are fragile. All life is dependent on other factors within the system. Nature seeks to maintain a balance. If a population gets too large, then growth must be limited. In nature this occurs through disease, increased predation, and starvation. Generally, species are not completely eradicated as a natural balance is achieved before this occurs. Unfortunately, humans have a history of altering ecosystems beyond their ability to recover. This has resulted in the extinction of thousands of species, most noticeably within deforestation of rainforests.

Pollution
Pollution causes ecological damage, sometimes irreversible, that affects not only human survival but that of all life. Manmade pollutants come in several forms: solid waste, pesticides, and radiation. Solid wastes include garbage, untreated sewage, and industrial waste (Lewis, 1985). These pollutants render the soil, air, and water unsuitable for life. In some cases, they pollute the life forms causing reproductive mutations, illness, and death.

Environmental Protection Agency
Decades of pollution led to the creation of The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Its mission is to preserve the environment and protect human health. The agency accomplishes this by developing and enforcing national regulations. Some of these regulations include national air quality standards, standards for industrial emissions, and automobile emission standards. The EPA also offers grants to state environmental programs, non-profits organizations, and schools. The money funds many projects from scientific research to community cleanups. In addition, the EPA does its own research, sponsors partnerships, and provides educational materials (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014).

Conclusion
Human overpopulation is serious issue. The ecological destruction that mankind is causing is evidence that the world ecosystem is approaching its carrying capacity. With human population increasing at exponential rates, this will result in either our own extinction or a world that is barely habitable for following generations. Thus it is important that humans continue to seek ways to live in harmony with nature.