Overpopulation is a phenomenon caused by an enormous and increasing number of people that inhabit the earth and use up natural resources faster than they can be replenished. Overpopulation is a major problem affecting the tourism industry in Jamaica. Millions of people visit the region every year since it is a prominent tourist attraction, which has caused the population to grow significantly. The local economy and ecology have been hampered by the rise in population's effects on overcrowding, congestion, and resource demand.
The Country excessive population has a detrimental effect on the tourist sector's ability to expand sustainably. Resource depletion and environmental harm may result from the rising demand for resources like energy, water, and land. Additionally, because of the crowding and traffic, the quality of life for locals has decreased, which might harm the industry’s reputation and long-term profitability. The tourism industry's overpopulation is also contributing to coral reef degradation. The numerous visitors to Jamaica's beaches have caused pollution, including sewage and waste, to increase, which is damaging coral reefs. This is a significant concern for Jamaica since the coral reefs are important to both the island's tourism industry and its overall economy.
Jamaica has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 as part of its NDC under the Paris Agreement. Through increasing demand for energy and transportation, overpopulation may result in higher greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve Jamaica's NDC objectives, it is essential to solve the overpopulation problem. A systems thinking approach is required to establish high sustainability in the tourism industry.
The Jamaican tourism sector must adopt a system thinking approach to achieve strong sustainability in the future. To do this, the industry must be viewed holistically; its many parts must be understood in connection with one another, and the effects of the business's actions on the environment and society must be considered. The industry must put more of an emphasis on eco-friendly tourism practices, such as lowering waste, saving energy, and boosting eco-friendly transportation. Government policy should support the growth of sustainable infrastructure and promote investment in renewable energy sources.