Human Overpopulation: The Elephant in the Greenhouse

Abstract

Human overpopulation is often overlooked as a factor in the environmental crisis, in favor of overconsumption as global inequality makes environmentally sustainable choices difficult. Overpopulation is controversial and its discussants, such as Malthus or Anne and Paul Ehrlich, were heavily criticized. However, present data seems less confident that their worries can be dismissed. While some governments have tried and failed to control population growth, others worry about depopulation, employing right-wing and anti-immigrant nationalist strategies. However, overpopulation is an issue that needs to be tackled on a global scale, responsibly, and in consideration of all beings on this planet.