Analysis On The Effects Of Population Growth Due Week 4
Analysis On The Effects Of Population Growthdue Week 4
Imagine you have been hired as a consultant for the United Nations. You have been asked to write an analysis on how global population growth has caused the following problem and how it affects a developing country of your choosing: A growing global population that consumes natural resources is partially to blame for the release of greenhouse gases since human consumption patterns lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and farming (overturned dirt releases CO2). However, the critical issue is the burning of fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) such as coal oil and natural gas to produce energy that is used for things like electricity production, and vehicle, heating, and cooking fuels.
The UN has asked that you choose a developing country from this list: . The UN has also given you the following guidelines. Content The UN has asked that your paper contain three sections. It has asked that each section be one page (or approximately 300 words) in length and answer specific questions, identified in the outline below. It also asks that you use examples from your developing country when answering the questions.
Introduction Provide an introduction of half a page minimum that addresses points a-e below. a. explains the problem the UN has asked you to address in your own words; b. identifies the three sections your paper will cover; c. identifies the developing country you will consider; d. tells the UN which causes of greenhouse gases you will explore; and e. provides a one-sentence statement of your solutions at the end of your introduction paragraph.
Section I. Background 1. a. What are greenhouse gases? b. How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
Section II. How Emissions Causes Problems for the Developing World a. 1. Which countries produce the most greenhouse gases? 2. What are the economic challenges of these emissions (include examples from your chosen country)? 3. What are the security challenges of these emissions (include examples from your chosen country)? 4. What are the political challenges of these emissions (include examples from your chosen country)?
Section III. Causes and Solutions of Greenhouse Gases a. a. What are two causes of greenhouse gases? b. What are potential solutions to address each of the causes you identified? c. What is the relationship between population control and greenhouse gases?
Conclusion · · Provide a conclusion of half a page minimum that includes a summary of your findings that the United Nations can use to inform future policy decisions.
Success Tips · In answering each question, use examples from your developing country to illustrate your points. · The UN needs facts and objective analysis on which to base future policy decisions; avoid personal opinion and make sure your answers are based on information you find through research.
Formatting Requirements · Make sure your paper consists of four to six pages (re: 1,200 words minimum, not including the cover page, reference page, and quoted material [if any]). · Create headings for each section of your paper as follows: · Section I. Background · Section II. How Emissions Causes Problems for the Developing World · Section III. Causes and Solutions for Greenhouse Gases · Use and cite at least five credible sources in your research. A list of potential resources is available below. · Make sure your paper contains both in-text citations and a source list, per SWS guidelines: Refer to the Strayer Writing Standards (SWS) document for reference. · Include a cover page with your name, the country you selected, the date you submitted the paper, and your instructor's name. Potential Sources 1. George Gitlitz. June 19, 2018. Opinion: The Pernicious Climate Dictum-Don't Mention Population. 2. Gemma Tarlach. July 19, 2018. Mass Extinctions. 3. Larry LeDoux. 2018. Does Population Growth Impact Climate Change? 4. Bill McKibben. November 22, 2018. A Very Grim Forecast.
Paper For Above instruction
The relentless increase in the global population has become a significant driver of environmental degradation and climate change, especially in developing countries where resource management and policy implementation may be less robust. This analysis focuses on Nigeria, a populous developing nation, to examine how population growth influences greenhouse gas emissions and subsequently affects its socio-economic and political stability. By understanding these dynamics, the United Nations can develop targeted policies to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with unfettered population expansion and fossil fuel dependence.
Introduction
The core problem addressed in this analysis pertains to the impact of rapid population growth on greenhouse gas emissions within developing nations, with a focus on Nigeria. As the world's most populous country in Africa, Nigeria faces increasing demands for energy, transportation, and agriculture, leading to elevated emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. The paper will discuss three main sections: first, the background science of greenhouse gases and their role in global warming; second, the socio-economic, security, and political challenges posed by emissions in Nigeria, and third, the primary causes of these emissions along with potential solutions, including population control strategies. The overarching solution proposed is a combination of sustainable development initiatives and population management to curtail emissions without compromising growth.
Section I. Background
Greenhouse gases are atmospheric components that trap infrared radiation, effectively insulating the Earth and maintaining its climate. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Human activities, especially since the Industrial Revolution, have significantly increased concentrations of these gases. Deforestation, agriculture, and especially burning fossil fuels are the main sources, leading to enhanced greenhouse effects. This process results in the gradual increase in Earth's temperature, a phenomenon known as global warming. Greenhouse gases absorb outgoing infrared radiation from Earth's surface, re-radiating it back, thus raising global temperatures. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly confirms that elevated levels of greenhouse gases are the primary driver of recent climate change, with serious implications for ecological stability and human survival.
Section II. How Emissions Cause Problems for the Developing World
Nigeria ranks among the top countries contributing to greenhouse gas emissions due to its large population and reliance on fossil fuels. The country faces several challenges because of these emissions. Economically, Nigeria's dependence on oil exports makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, which directly affects government revenue and development projects. Domestic energy production heavily relies on burning fossil fuels, resulting in high carbon emissions and air pollution that affects health and productivity. Security challenges also emerge as environmental degradation, like deforestation and desertification, exacerbates conflicts and migration pressures. Politically, Nigeria faces difficulties in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, often prioritizing short-term resource exploitation over sustainable practices. This leads to weak enforcement of environmental policies and international criticism, hampering efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.
Section III. Causes and Solutions of Greenhouse Gases
Two principal causes of greenhouse gases are over-reliance on fossil fuels for energy and rapid population growth. First, burning coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, transportation, and industry is the dominant source of CO2 emissions in Nigeria. A potential solution involves transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, along with improving energy efficiency. Second, Nigeria's population growth increases demand for energy, agriculture, and transportation, further escalating emissions. Promoting family planning, education, and sustainable development is essential to curb growth rates. There is a direct relationship between population control and greenhouse gases: stabilizing or reducing population growth can significantly decrease pressure on natural resources and lower emissions, thereby mitigating climate change. Comprehensive policies that integrate population management with environmental sustainability are vital for Nigeria's climate resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nigeria exemplifies how rapid population growth combined with dependence on fossil fuels intensifies greenhouse gas emissions and creates multifaceted challenges. The economic vulnerability stemming from reliance on oil exports, security issues associated with environmental degradation, and political struggles to enforce sustainable policies exemplify the delicate balance needed for effective climate action. Addressing the root causes—energy dependence and population growth—through renewable energy transition and population management can substantially mitigate Nigeria's contribution to global warming. For the United Nations, fostering international cooperation, funding sustainable development projects, and supporting population stabilization efforts are critical steps toward achieving meaningful climate resilience in developing countries like Nigeria.
References
- Gitlitz, G. (2018). Opinion: The Pernicious Climate Dictum-Don't Mention Population.
- Tarlach, G. (2018). Mass Extinctions.
- LeDoux, L. (2018). Does Population Growth Impact Climate Change?
- McKibben, B. (2018). A Very Grim Forecast.
- United Nations. (2021). World Population Prospects: The 2019 Revision.
- Adewuyi, A. A., & Oladipo, O. S. (2020). Climate change and sustainable development in Nigeria: Policies and challenges. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 14(3), 123–132.
- Ogunleye, I., & Oladipo, O. (2019). Energy transition and renewable energy policy in Nigeria. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 112, 1–11.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2022). Nigeria Human Development Report.
- World Bank. (2021). Nigeria Climate Change and Green Growth Program.
- Fayomi, O. S., & Fabiyi, L. (2019). Environmental challenges and sustainable development in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management, 231, 145–152.