Final answer:
Population growth impacts the environment in various ways, including air pollution in urban areas, land degradation from urban sprawl, deforestation, and desertification, especially in less-developed countries. These issues are compounded by poverty, leading to the overexploitation of natural resources and significant ecological challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environmental impacts of population growth are significant and multifaceted, influencing a range of issues from air pollution in urban areas to land degradation, deforestation, and desertification in less-developed countries. Urban areas, with their high concentration of industries and vehicles, face considerable challenges due to the emission of greenhouse gases, leading to air pollution and contributing to global climate change. The expansion of urban sprawl results in land degradation as natural habitats are converted into built environments, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
In less-developed countries, the demand for agricultural land and resources is leading to deforestation and desertification. These practices reduce the land's ability to retain water and support life, leading to barren landscapes. Deforestation also contributes to the loss of biodiversity and aggravates climate change by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide.
Poverty often exacerbates environmental degradation as the necessity for economic survival leads to the exploitation of natural resources. This results in issues such as water pollution, soil erosion, and the destruction of ecosystems. The challenge is finding a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.