Read at : Google Alert - desertification

http://thepost.com.pk/LetNews.aspx?dtlid=144871&catid=4

 Ecological concerns

NADIA SALEEM, SIALKOT

A number of serious environmental problems are inherent in the country, which are of great ecological concern in terms of its sustainable economic future. These include soil erosion, pesticide misuse, deforestation, desertification, urban pollution, waterlogging and salinity, freshwater pollution and marine water pollution, just to name a few. The major constraint to overcoming these problems, in fact perhaps the main contributor to their intensity, is the population growth, which is very high in contrast to the natural limited resources that are available to the people. Also included in the constraints is the unsustainable use and management of these resources. Around 140 million people live in this country, making it the seventh most populous country in the world.

The rate of population growth is one of the fastest and according to estimates it would double in just 25 years (UNDP 1997). What is obvious from this is if the population continues to grow at this rate, it would take a severe toll on the environment. The reason is that the country is not endowed with the resources required for sustaining a huge population. Although it is primarily an agricultural country, the landscape is predominantly arid. Water, already a scarce commodity in most parts of the country, is now facing further shortages.

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