African Journal of
Environmental Science and Technology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0786
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJEST
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 1135

Article in Press

Population Growth and its Impact on Environmental Degradation in Nepal

Shankar Bahadur Rawal, Ramesh Prasad Adhikary

  •  Received: 25 October 2024
  •  Accepted: 19 November 2024
The aim of the study is to examines the complex interplay between population growth and environmental degradation in Nepal, emphasizing the perspectives of local communities and the environmental challenges amplified by increasing population density. Sustainable Development Goals sets by the United Nations underscore the importance of balancing human needs with environmental preservation, cautioning that unchecked population growth can lead to resource depletion and ecological harm. Recent experiences in Nepal, such as severe flooding in Kathmandu, vividly illustrate the adverse consequences of rapid urbanization coupled with inadequate environmental management. The objective of this study is to explore how demographic changes influence environmental issues in Nepal and to identify sustainable solutions to mitigate these impacts. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes secondary data sources, including scholarly articles, government reports, and NGO publications, to analyze these dynamics. Findings reveal that local communities identify population growth as a key factor driving environmental issues such as deforestation, water scarcity, air pollution, and inadequate waste management. The study concludes by advocating for integrated strategies, including sustainable urban planning, community-based resource management, educational initiatives, and robust policy frameworks, to address the dual challenges of population growth and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Population Growth, Environmental Degradation, Community Perceptions, Sustainable Solutions, Urban Planning, Resource Management, Flooding