Final answer:
Concerns about the world's increasing population include environmental damage, global conflicts, resource shortages, and the potential of a food crisis. The Malthusian trap suggests population growth may outpace food supply, and the situation is compounded by over-consumption in wealthy nations. Sustainable management of resources is critical as the global population is projected to exceed 11 billion by 2100.
Step-by-step explanation:
We should be concerned with the world's increasing population due to the potential environmental damage, exacerbated global conflicts, and the possibility of severe resource shortages leading to starvation and disease outbreaks. With more than 200,000 people added daily, the strain on resources such as food, water, and energy is increasing. These challenges are further complicated by global inequalities in resource consumption and the ecological footprint of affluent nations, who consume far more per capita than those in less-developed countries.
The Malthusian trap warns us that population growth may outstrip food supply, leading to a food crisis. However, the rate of population growth is influenced by economic forces, technological advancements in agriculture, medicine, and contraception. Still, the overarching concern is whether we can balance the consumption rates of the wealthy with the needs of the majority and sustainably manage the Earth's resources for the projected population of potentially over 11 billion by the year 2100.
Overpopulation does not solely cause environmental issues; over-consumption and waste in wealthy nations contribute significantly. Addressing this involves reducing the disproportionate resource use by the affluent and practicing sustainable production and consumption patterns globally. Yet, the growing demand for food, where projections indicate a significant increase in meat and milk production by 2050, exemplifies the urgency of addressing overpopulation and resource use challenges.