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Abstract

Expanding human population growth worldwide with its concomitant consumption patterns is the ultimate stressor to the natural environment. Increasing population numbers amplify the damage occurring to every biological ecosystem. Overpopulation as an environmental issue is critically under-recognized and underpublicized. A comprehensive understanding of how population growth impacts ecosystems and their ability to sustain life is limited or absent in public awareness. The purpose of this research was to explore the role that scientific literacy of ecosystem functioning might play in affecting an individual's awareness of how uncontrolled population growth disturbs the natural order of ecosystems and the consequences that can result. A multiple case study design was used to qualitatively interview two groups of adults (N = 10) for ecological literacy and awareness of environmental impact by population numbers. Five participants were purposefully selected who had educational and work backgrounds in one of the life sciences related to the environment (Group S); the second group (Group NS) had comparable levels of training and experience in non-life science fields. Response data were analyzed by thematic analysis using ecopsychology and analytical psychology as the theoretical framework. Group S subjects demonstrated a working knowledge of the principles of ecology and ecosystem self-regulation, while Group NS subjects did not. Study subjects of both groups expressed their belief in humanity's alienation from nature and in human activity as a primary cause of environmental destruction. Those in Group S, however, were more likely to recognize and be able to describe from a systemic perspective the far-reaching effects of overpopulation on nature's biological systems. Group S subjects were more aware of the importance of ecosystem health for sustaining human life and more inclined to take an eco-centric perspective where humanity is part of and responsible to the natural world.

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Effect of Ecosystem Literacy on Understanding the Impact of Human Population Growth on the Environment—A Multiple Case Study

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