IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IJGEM )

E-ISSN 2504-8821
P-ISSN 2695-1878
VOL. 10 NO. 6 2024
DOI: 10.56201/IJGEMem.v10.no6.2024.pg80.96

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Rapid Population Growth and Resource Utilization: A Review of Theories

Samuel Oji Iheukwumere, Nwabueze Ikenna Igu, Chukwuma Patrick Nwabudike, Kelechi Friday Nkwocha

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Abstract

The management of resources sustainably and responsibly, and the encouragement of sustainable consumption patterns are all necessary to address the environmental effects of population pressure. For the long-term wellbeing of both human civilizations and the environment, it is essential to strike a balance between population increase and resource consumption. While humans are the demanding agents, the environment on the other hand is relied upon to supply the resources. This interplay creates a demand and supply function between humans and the environment which is vital to sustainable use of environmental resources. The balanced demand with supply of resources creates an equilibrium. Excess demand is created when consumption exceed capacity of the environment to supply needed resources. While excess supply is when consumption falls below supply from the environment. Malthusian, Neo-Malthusian, Cornucopian, Technological Optimism, Ecological Economics, Boserup, Geertz Theories amongst others have tried to narrate the interplay between population and resource use. Malthusian and Neo- Malthusian theories point at the impact of disequilibrium between population growth and resource use, while Cornucopian and Technological Optimism theories opine how technology can be used to offset impact. The demand and supply equilibrium might not be attained, despite technological advancements and interventions, if measures to slow down population increase and consumption are not put in place. Without adequate measures, population growth and consumption have the potential to surpass technological advancement. Degradation of the environment and loss of biodiversity amongst others, will be caused by rising resource consumption and population increase. Human creativity will create chances that will offer remedies to challenges while creating new challenges.

keywords:

Environmental Provisioning, Demand, Supply, Environmental Resource, Population

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