Second, approximately 54,000 people die in the U.S. each day, with that number expected to increase as the Baby Boomer generation rushes to meet the Grim Reaper (U.S. Census Bureau 21). Why are these two statistics important to the issue of third world starvation? Because they provide a further problem and a possible solution.

             The problem is overpopulation. The rate at which the U.S. population is growing will quickly consume all available resources. It is estimated the by the year 2024, our country's population will have increased to the point that the country's farmers will be unable to grow enough food (Frege 219). This, of course, will lead to increases in starvation in the U. S. When we look beyond the nation's boundaries, the problem becomes even more prevalent. If left unchecked, world population will triple by 2025 (Frege 220). The current food production rate around the world can barely support everyone as it is. With the alarming rate we are losing farmland, in 25 years we will never have enough food supplies to handle feeding half the population. So, the problem of overpopulation and starvation is a global one; increased population means increased starvation unless something is done.

             The second statistic, the projected increase in death rates, provides us with a viable solution. With the rise in population there will be a correlating rise in deaths. Increased deaths also pose a potential problem. If we need all available land for housing and farming, then what are we to do with the bodies of the dead? Cemeteries have become a useless waste of prime, much needed, real estate. Over the next decade attitudes will have to change drastically regarding the disposal of remains. While cremation seems a plausible option, if only alleviates one part of the problem by freeing up small (3' x 8') parcels of land. We are still left with overpopulation and starvation.

             The solution should, by now, seem obvious.