Final answer:
The statement is true; the demands of growing populations in less-developed nations lead to environmental resource strain, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Over-consumption in wealthier countries also contributes to the problem. Solutions include resource conservation, technological improvements, and population control for sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that natural environments and resources that less-developed nations need to survive suffer under the demands of large and rapidly growing populations is true. With increasing populations, the demands for essential resources such as land, water, food, and energy also increase. This often leads to overtaxing of environmental resources such as forests, freshwater supplies, and agricultural soils, which in turn results in habitat destruction, unsustainable use of resources, and biodiversity loss. The ecological footprints of developing nations grow as they strive to increase their production and consumption, leading to a greater toll on the Earth's natural resources.
Fair distribution of these resources and reduction of consumption are critical. However, these are complex issues plagued by differences in economic demands between wealthier and poorer nations. Environmental problems are not solely due to overpopulation but also linked to over-consumption, particularly in more developed nations where resource use is disproportionately higher.
Ultimately, if the global population continues to grow without sustainable management of resources, there's a risk of resource depletion leading to a potential crash in human population. Therefore, the emphasis on technological improvements, conservation of resources, and population growth control is vital for the sustainability of natural environments in less-developed nations.