[b]Overpopulation[/b] is a function of the [u]number of individuals compared to the relevant resources[/u], such as the water and essential nutrients they need to survive. It can result from an increase in births, a decline in mortality rates, an increase in immigration, or an unsustainable biome and depletion of resources. Growing advances in technology with each coming year has affected humanity in many ways. One of these has been the ability to save lives and create better medical treatment for all. A direct result of this has been increased lifespan and the growth of the population. In the past fifty or so years, the growth of population has boomed and has turned into overpopulation. In the history of our species, the birth and death rate have always been able to balance each and maintain a population growth rate that is sustainable. So what are some effects? - Depletion of natural resources Obviously the earth is only capable of producing a certain number of natural resources. Overpopulation causes them to be consumed faster than the earth can replace them, which leads too.... - Degradation of environment To make things worse, as natural resources are rapidly consumed and earths recovery is unable to keep up, permanent damage is done to the environment. - Conflicts and wars caused by increased competition. Less resources and more people means more people fighting over less and less, which results in conflicts that only further consume more resources, damage more environment, and increase the overall problem. - Rise in Unemployment When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to unemployment as there fewer jobs to support large number of people. Rise in unemployment gives rise to crime as people will steal various items to feed their family and provide them basic amenities of life. - High Cost of Living  As difference between demand and supply continues to expand due to overpopulation, it raises the prices of various commodities including food, shelter and healthcare. This means that people have to pay more to survive and feed their families. Eventually people can no longer survive on the wages they earn, which also leads to more crime. Reasonable solutions: [b][u]EDUCATION[/u][/b] If the masses are knowledgeable of the problem and its affects they are more likely to be willing to be a part of the solution. Understanding the importance of only having 1 or 2 children, and the reasoning behind it is easier than dealing with the deaths and suffering of millions in the future. Sex education is also important. [spoiler]Now, bear with me religious people, we are talking about a global issue where that includes every religion, so try to keep yours from making you think your religion takes precedence over another's [/spoiler] . Teaching young teens about safe sex and contraceptives before they begin engaging in sex is imperative. Providing access to contraceptives to all is also important. The investment required to prevent the problem is insanely cheaper the cost of letting it get worse, and then attempting to fix it when it becomes an unavoidable issue. It is therefore important for parents and teachers to shed their old inhibitions and make their kids or students aware of solid and practical sex education. Basically we must humanely and reasonably curb population growth while simultaneously improving lifespans and quality of life. Another simple solution is tax benefits or concessions. Governments of various countries might have to come up with various policies related to tax exemptions to curb overpopulation. One of them might be to waive of certain part of income tax or lowering rates of income tax for those families who have single or two children. As we humans are more inclined towards money, this may produce some positive results. There are also the more radical solutions, but I'm going to keep it reasonable. Discuss. [spoiler]credit to DISCODYL for suggesting the topic[/spoiler]