Overview:
Our world is in the midst of a crisis and we are in dire need of a solution. On the topic of over-consumption versus over-population, it is not an easy task to decide which needs the most attention. Both issues are large parts in global degradation, and both are so intertwined with each other, that it may just be impossible to separate. I believe, however, that great steps can be taken to eliminate the overall pressures forced onto the globe by these two issues. I believe that the key to successfully reducing population and consumption lies within education. Educational increases have led to a reduction of fertility in many of the world’s poorest countries. It has been a gateway for women everywhere to feel more in control of their lives and their bodies and helps them become citizens of the workforce. Education does not just pertain to limiting fertility. In countries where fertility rates are already low, education can be used as an aid to increase awareness of global issues and teach sustainable practices. In effect, education can also be used to help eliminate over-consumption. …show more content…
Because of this, it is not possible to put a strict control over population limitations or consumption restrictions. It is known that Americans contribute to 5% of the world’s population, but consume about 24% of the world’s energy (Population and Energy Consumption, 2008). Therefore, the only solution is to encourage the future generations of this country to be better educated in global awareness. Through education, it is possible to change the cultural attitude of superiority and direct it to sustainability through curbing consumption habits and decreasing the desire for large families. Although this goal may take some time to accomplish, and there will always be outliers in any statistical data, it is possible to change the attitudes of countries such as the United States and other towards a more sustainable global
Our world is in the midst of a crisis and we are in dire need of a solution. On the topic of over-consumption versus over-population, it is not an easy task to decide which needs the most attention. Both issues are large parts in global degradation, and both are so intertwined with each other, that it may just be impossible to separate. I believe, however, that great steps can be taken to eliminate the overall pressures forced onto the globe by these two issues. I believe that the key to successfully reducing population and consumption lies within education. Educational increases have led to a reduction of fertility in many of the world’s poorest countries. It has been a gateway for women everywhere to feel more in control of their lives and their bodies and helps them become citizens of the workforce. Education does not just pertain to limiting fertility. In countries where fertility rates are already low, education can be used as an aid to increase awareness of global issues and teach sustainable practices. In effect, education can also be used to help eliminate over-consumption. …show more content…
Because of this, it is not possible to put a strict control over population limitations or consumption restrictions. It is known that Americans contribute to 5% of the world’s population, but consume about 24% of the world’s energy (Population and Energy Consumption, 2008). Therefore, the only solution is to encourage the future generations of this country to be better educated in global awareness. Through education, it is possible to change the cultural attitude of superiority and direct it to sustainability through curbing consumption habits and decreasing the desire for large families. Although this goal may take some time to accomplish, and there will always be outliers in any statistical data, it is possible to change the attitudes of countries such as the United States and other towards a more sustainable global