Essay: What do you think the world's greatest problem is, and how would you fix it?

It could only be 200 words! Just to put SOMETHING up here so I don't feel like a bum.

In our world today, there are many problems that effect humanity and the environment. It is difficult to specify a ‘distinct greatest’ problem from others, being that there are many aspects you must take into consideration, such as what it affects and the chances of it occurring. You must observe the world in a grander view and the answer will become clear: The greatest problem in the world today is overpopulation.
    The problem of overpopulation leads to almost every other problem that exists. The spread of disease, global warming, decrease in natural resources, and air/water/soil pollution are just some prime examples that are the result of just too many people living on one planet with limited resources.  
    Being the greatest problem, overpopulation would be one of the hardest to solve. Unless countries are lucky like Germany, whose population is decreasing, then they must take desperate measures to control their population. The United Nations should form a type of ‘population control’ plan, specialized for each country, that would include free birth control, and even tax breaks for not having children.
    Reducing overpopulation can not be solved unless every country steps up and works together to start solving the world’s greatest problem.
 

Reviews

[intangible_soul]

Very cool thing to write about. I found myself wanting you to expand more on the elements in the second paragraph. The thesis statement was ok, but could have been stronger. I hope you will add to this, with more research, and tell me more about the cause and effect of this subject, and what can be done to control it, or work WITH it. :)

[Kostas M.]

That's a useful article you got there, Lindsey. We all keep talking about overpopulation, but truth is that for a country's economy it's bad if population reduces. However, I can always suggest a solution about overpopulation. It includes a shotgun............ B-)
Just kidding there.
Interesting article, take care.
;-)

[Melanie Jane Boicourt S..]

That is an interesting thought. I usually think that if all of us humans lived differently then we wouldn't cause the problems that we do. If we lived with the earth and each other then population wouldn't be so bad right now. Of course, you are right, eventually it would, if we didn't stop trying so hard to keep people alive. Everything exists for a reason so when we fight against our only real preditors that are left (disease) we actually fight against the earths defence mechanism.
Very thoughtful piece.
Thank you for sharing.
Love All, Mejasha

[Ryan D. Mosley]

Pretty good point there. I've never thought about it, but I do suppose that overpopulation is the root of all of the problems. I think you should elaborate and extend this essay into a very good non-fiction piece. I honestly believe that this could be a very powerful essay with a lot of impact. You most definitely need to extend this piece form its basic form.

[Alton]

Nice AP Environmental essay, good idea too; a population plan, if it was to be enforced, could dramatically turn the tide of our thin spread of resources. 3rd world countries are the worst, but if we as a people simply changed the way we live, then we wouldn't be nearly as much of a strain on the environment.