An increasing population (especially within developing countries) has many consequences. Some of these consequences may be much needed within that country, such as providing a steady labor supply for agricultural production and industrialization. In many cases, however, a rapidly increasing population easily forecasts destruction for that country and the world.

A rapid increase in population has been shown to be a major cause in deforestation, or the loss of forest cover, in eight Southeast Asian Countries; the cause of conflict among different ethnic groups, and between nomadic farmers and permanent plantation farmers, in regions such as South Africa; and the depletion of natural resources and minerals (in Vietnam). As the population increases, there is an increasing demand for land for agricultural production, fuel wood collection, and housing accommodation. The rates of consumption of forest products and services will also increase. To accommodate demands placed by the increasing population, forest areas will be encroached upon for cultivation, commercial logging, and uncontrolled fuel wood collection.

Consequently, many developing countries, with a rapidly increasing population, destroy their environment and natural resources for socio-economic development. As the available land diminishes and natural resources become scarce, there are regional, local, and government disputes about the ownership and use of the land (such as in Thailand) and natural resources. Most will claim ownership, but not responsibility for its destruction. As the quality of the land deteriorates because of overuse, many will move to other areas until that land has deteriorated too. This results in deadly conflicts between many nomadic groups and plantation owners. In order to limit deforestation and to reduce contestations between groups, agroforestry on a sustainable basis will have to be practiced by all groups. Ownership will also have to be extended because it will provide incentives to the nomadic farmers to permanently reside there and harness and manage the renewable and reproductive capacities of their land. It will also prevent them from crowding out forest-dependent communities from their traditional forest farming land. Thereby, it reduces deadly confrontations between groups.

As the population increases and living space decreases, the density of people per housing area increases. As a result, the city becomes crowded and the quality of life within that city declines (such as in South America). Overall, housing conditions are characterized by overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. Many are forced to living within the congested confines of the city area, where their exposure to diseases and other health related problems are increased. Water is stored in buckets where they become ideal breeding spots for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Because urban planners are more focus on maximizing the number of dwelling units that could be achieved within the housing area, they are not including recreational space such as parks and playgrounds within their urban plans. However, as a country becomes more affluent, less emphasis is placed on increasing the number of people per housing area, and more focus is shifted to decentralization and the development of new towns and a green belt to stop the continued expansion of the central area (such as the new Russia). Urban planners must consider the impact of the increasing population and its distribution of people, as well as ethnic group distribution, on current and new cities if they are to improve the quality of life within the city.

An increasing population can translate into destruction and death for the people and environment, but it can also translate into opportunities for sustainable management of resources. Fortunately, the people of both developing and developed countries are given the role as the translator and can affect its translation.