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Issue 37 Autumn 2020

WORLD DAY 2020 , and boosting are the key solutions that empower people to take charge of their and protect our only

ISSN 2053-0412 (Print) ISSN 2053-0420 (Online) every choice counts CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Contents 10 3 From the Director About Population Robin Maynard looks at how, Matters thanks to growing support from is a UK-based charity individuals and organisations working globally to achieve our vision of across the globe, PM is adding humanity co-existing in harmony with to its capacity to bring positive and prospering on a healthy planet. We drive changes for people and planet. positive action through fostering choices that will help achieve a sustainable 4 News round-up population and regenerate our environment. Population news stories We promote positive, practical, ethical and introducing some new solutions – encouraging people to choose members of the PM team. smaller families and inspiring people to consume sustainably – to enable everyone to enjoy a decent quality of whilst sustaining 6 Population crash? the natural upon which all life Alistair Currie reports on why media depends. We support , women’s scare stories are detracting from the empowerment and global justice. real issues.

Population Matters is a registered charity in and 7 UK focus Wales (1114109) and a company limited by guarantee in England (3019081) registered address 135-137 Station Despite strategies and prevention Road, London, E4 6AG. Population Matters is the working frameworks, teenage pregnancy rates name of the Trust continue to be high, plus our view on Lord 8 Registered trademark. Hodgson’s recently published analysis of the UK’s projected . Magazine Printed in the UK by Jamm Print & 8 On the brink of Productions using vegetable-based inks on The evidence of the impact of human 100% recycled . population on loss continues Design, infographics & illustrations: to pile up, yet almost nothing is being Miller Design done. Population Matters is taking a stand. Editor: Anna Harris Cover image: ©grigoryepremyan/Adobe 10 Population Matters Magazine is produced twice a year by Day 2020 Population Matters, 135-137 Station Road, London E4 6AG With only 10 years left to meet the UN’s 17 Registered charity: 1114109 Tel: 020 8123 9116 goals of achieving decent lives for all on a For further information, e-versions and back copies log onto populationmatters.org/members-magazine healthy planet, are we running out of time? 13 13 Childfree by choice Stay connected Award-winning documentary filmmaker populationmatters.org Maxine Trump tackles one of the most PopulationMatters taboo subjects and asks: “Why can’t we PopnMatters talk about not having children?” popnmatters 14 The social network PopulationMatters Q&A with Argentinian activist Pablo Meglioli t: 020 8123 9116 about how he’s using social media to e: [email protected] engage Spanish-speaking audiences. ed: [email protected] a: 135-137 Station Road, London E4 6AG 15 ’s population drive From coercion to education – activist and 16 writer Mari Thekaekara explores India’s approach to managing its population over WORLD the decades. POPULATION 16 fallout Across the world, COVID-19 has THIS ISSUE: exacerbated existing inequalities. Find out how Empower to Plan responded 7,813,967,000 to a health emergency in . 18 In conversation Robin Maynard speaks with Laurel WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED READING Hanscom, CEO of the Global Footprint THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE RECYCLE IT Network, about Day 2020 BY PASSING IT ON and how the barriers that obstruct tackling population can be overcome. CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 From the Director Almost 30 years after Population Matters was founded, we’re gaining increased support from scientists, environmental and conservation bodies and women’s empowerment groups.

© Florence Blondel information and support to avoid unplanned pregnancies. The positive impact is clear from 17-year-old Katie’s reaction, after viewing PM’s Smaller Families’ video: “These facts and figures (environmental and population) should be taught alongside education and made compulsory.”

FIRM FOUNDATIONS Next year marks three decades since Population Matters was conceived (sic) by a small group of far-sighted individuals, working with great individual but few and little money. The next issue of Today, diverse, globally the magazine, which falls in 2021, will This issue contains some shocking mark that anniversary and acknowledge numbers, some of which will be representative, those individuals’ efforts. Thanks to familiar – such as a 68% decline in wild significant voices are the foundations they laid, Population since 1970, up supporting our agenda, Matters has been able to extend its from 60% reported in 2018 – as detailed reach, activities and influence. in WWF’s latest Living Planet Report. adding to our capacity Today, diverse, globally Having failed to mention that to bring positive representative, significant voices are population growth is one of the key supporting our agenda, adding to our drivers for those losses in previous changes for people capacity to bring positive changes for reports, this year, the Panda places a and planet. people and planet. These include a tentative paw on the ‘p’ word, stating: large and growing body of scientists; “Since 1970, these trends have been writer Mari Thekaekara explores in her environmental and conservation bodies driven in large part by a doubling of the personal account of India’s population based outside the UK, and the world’s human population, a fourfold drive on page 15, which recounts the US; women’s grassroots empowerment increase in the global , and a country’s troubled history and raises and rights’ groups; and a growing tenfold increase in trade.” important issues about education and number of supporters globally who It’s high time that conservation the empowerment of women and girls. understand that achieving bodies acknowledge this connection – Worldwide, a significant number live and justice demands we consider both these numbers are not opinions they in the US and UK – shockingly high for individual footprint and collective feet. are facts endorsed by leading scientific two of the richest, most developed I’ll leave the final word to our bodies such as the Intergovernmental countries in the world. As Kat Dixon colleague Florence Blondel, who has left Panel on Biological Diversity and reports on page 7, although England PM to move to the US but has clearly Services. The connection has reduced the teenage pregnancy rate not left the movement: “It’s not rocket is affirmed in the 50 peer-reviewed by nearly two-thirds over the last two science that the more of us there are, studies collated by the Centre for decades, it’s still higher than most of the more we consume and the fewer the Biological Diversity for their Crowded our European neighbours. What’s more, natural resources. We are decimating Planet library. while child marriage is most common in and having endless with South Asia and sub- Saharan , – wars we always win. Worse POSITIVE SOLUTIONS research carried out by Unchained At is the fact that young girls and women What’s still lacking is the promotion of Last – an organisation dedicated to are held back as fertility is sadly largely positive solutions, such as improving ending child marriage– states that, socially determined. This is not okay.” the wellbeing and life opportunities between 2000 and 2015, more than of women and girls globally. There 200,000 minors were legally married in Robin Maynard are 272 million girls and women the USA. Director, Population Matters currently lacking access to safe, modern Through our Empower to Plan contraception and, thereby, choice over crowdfunding initiative we support whether, when and how many children groups such as You Before Two, which to have. This is something that guest provides young girls (and boys) with

populationmatters.org every choice counts 3 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Population Matters news round-up © Unsplash/Markus Spiske Human-caused extinction accelerating

A new analysis shows the sixth mass There have already been five mass extinction is accelerating, with extinction episodes over the last more than 500 vertebrate at 450 million years – each caused by risk of becoming extinct in less than catastrophic environmental changes 20 years – as many as were lost over such as volcanic activity or an asteroid the entire course of the last century. strike. The sixth mass extinction is due to human activity. The study published in Proceedings The authors point out that the human of the National Academy of Sciences population explosion is making it (PNAS) by scientists, including PM increasingly difficult for other species Patron Paul Ehrlich, found that out of to thrive, warning: “The window of almost 30,000 species of -dwelling opportunity is almost closed. We Link to page 8 to read more about , 515 already have fewer than must save what we can or lose the the connection between biodiversity 1,000 individuals left. More than half of opportunity to do so forever. What is at and population >> these species have been reduced to 250 stake is the fate of humanity and future or fewer individuals. generations deserve better from us.”

How will we feed the world? How the Global adoption of G20 countries’ consumption numbers

patterns would ruin our chances of meeting climate © Unsplash/Szabo Viktor and sustainability targets, according to a new report. stack up The authors state that this trend will exceed the planetary boundary for food-related emissions 3out of21 by almost three-fold and require up to seven To date, only three out of 21 of to support it. the UN’s landmark environment and reduction targets for Diets for a Better Future, published by EAT, The report notes that, despite the huge 2020 have been hit. emphasises the importance of a drastic impact of food systems on dietary reduction in products and and biodiversity, they have largely been 71 million that sustainable, healthy diets is likely to omitted from international policy agendas. The additional number of people become impossible if our population exceeds It warns that if we continue on current who will have been pushed into 10 billion people, as is expected to happen trajectories, we will not meet either the extreme poverty in 2020 due to in the latter half of the century. Agriculture Agreement, which aims to restrict the global pandemic already uses 40% of the Earth’s land area and warming to below 2°C, or the UN’s is the primary driver of , Goals (SDGs). The amount of the destruction and . Food 1 world’s population that production is responsible for a quarter of the Link to page 10 to read more about our / lack access to secure world’s emissions. thoughts on meeting the SDGs >> 4 food supply 4.2billion Millions of women and girls still being harmed The number of people who lack safely managed and stagnating progress towards gender equality, hindered by COVID-19, the number of victims is still on the rise. 700million

© Unsplash/Nick Gordon Against My Will: Defying the Practises The number of people set to that Harm Women and Girls and Undermine be displaced by 2030 due to Equality, notes that millions of women and scarcity girls continue to be subjected to FGM every year. In countries that have passed laws 3 Earths against FGM, the practice has been driven We are already using resources underground. Harmful practices are not 1.75 times faster than they can The latest UNFPA State of the World Population limited to the developing world. Although regenerate and, unless things report shows that millions of women and girls child marriage is illegal in the UK, during 2018 change, we will require across the world are still subjected to violent and almost a third of the calls received by the UK’s three Earths to supply harmful practices, including child marriages, Forced Marriages Unit concerned children. our needs by 2050 female genital mutilation (FGM), and gender- And, between 2000 and 2015, more than biased sex selection. Due to population growth 200,000 minors were married in the USA.

4 populationmatters.org every choice counts CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

30 years of campaigning Introducing some to make a better future possible new members of the 2021 will mark Population Matters’ 30th Anniversary Population Matters team

This milestone in our history presents us with an Katrina Dixon opportunity to focus on accelerating our campaign to achieve Campaigner a sustainable human population, to protect the natural world “I worked in marketing communications and improve people’s lives. for a decade, while developing a growing So, what might the next 30 years look like? The momentum interest in environmental, political and for real change is growing. Whether it is young people social justice issues. I decided that I wanted protesting against climate change, the worldwide support for to focus my work on ‘making the world a Black Lives Matter, or heightened spirit amid the better place’ and so, I changed my career COVID-19 pandemic, we know that global activism is creating path. My friends and I have spent many a springboard for positive change. We can and will be part of it days and nights discussing how clear – and achieving our vision will become ever-more possible. the link between , With our growing global reach, for our 30th anniversary inequality and poverty and the increasingly unsustainable global in 2021, we want to celebrate hidden voices, ignite population seemed to be to us. I was therefore very excited to conversations across generations and encourage new discover the work of Population Matters. As a feminist, I was dialogues about population across our community of 20,000 also encouraged to see the work that Population Matters does supporters in 80 different countries. We want to inspire in supporting women’s rights, especially through its Empower everyone to be part of a movement that will make it possible to solve our global environmental problems. We’ll be to Plan scheme with small grassroots NGOs.” updating you on our 30th anniversary plans later in the year. Izi Clery Fundraising Manager “I’ve worked in fundraising for a range of organisations. I was drawn to Population Matters because I’ve been anecdotally exclaiming “there are just too many people on the planet!” for years, whenever environmental issues arose in conversation. I felt it was time I gave substance to those words. Fundraisers are the enablers of ‘good things’, connecting passionate people to causes that matter – and I can’t see a more important cause than one that is striving for a better future for everyone and the environment that supports us. I’m looking forward to getting to know PM’s members and supporters and finding new ways we can work together in pursuit of our vision.” Gabriel Emordi NOTABLE DATES IN OUR HISTORY Finance and Administration Officer 1990 Population Matters 2019 PM holds events on “For the last 20 years I’ve worked in formed as the Optimum three continents for the not for profit and charity sector. I’ve Population Trust by always had a great interest in nature and David Willey and others 2020 PM publishes the grew up watching 1991 First official meeting ground-breaking report documentaries on TV. This started an held in Oxford on 24 July Hitting the Targets interest in nature and the environment which led to related interest in issues such 2009 Sir David Attenborough becomes a patron as population growth and sustainability. To me, the idea of there being a maximum 2012 Royal Society report level of consumption that the planet can sustain seems People and the Planet states that population obvious, so it was a pretty easy decision for me to want to get and environment involved when I found that Population Matters was looking issues must be for staff in my field of work – my focus is on maintaining addressed together, efficient financial processes within the organisation. I think it’s affirming our agenda absolutely imperative that we face this challenge, head on.”

populationmatters.org every choice counts 5 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Should we fear a population crash?

Falling fertility rates, shrinking populations and a world full of old people – the media’s scare story approach detracts from the real issues, argues PM’s Alistair Currie.

A new study, published in The Lancet in July, led to some sensational headlines and dire predictions for humanity. The BBC and other media referred to a ‘jaw-dropping’ crash in the number of babies being born, with a reported 23 expected to see their populations halve by 2100 and as many people turning 80 as there are being born. So what should There we make of all this speculation and supposition? will still be The source of this media hyperbole is a study by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) 1 billion more at the University of Washington in Seattle. Its focus was to look at how ‘changing population of us than there size and age structure might have profound economic, social, and geopolitical are today by 2100 impacts in many countries.’ – quite the opposite Using a model of fertility, migration and mortality rates to estimate population growth or of a population crash. decline, IHME predicts that the global population will peak at peak at 9.7 billion around 2064 and then fall to 8.8 billion by health rights and access to services.’ These rights and services 2100. This differs from the UN’s higher prediction of 10.9bn are not just essential to addressing population, but to the and still rising by the end of the century. However, even if wellbeing, life chances and freedom of hundreds of millions the IHME’s projections are right, 2bn people will be added to of people. Earth’s population over the next 40 years, and there will still be 1bn more of us than there are today by 2100 – quite the REASONS TO BE FEARFUL opposite of a population crash. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of its findings. That contains just two sentences addressing UNREACHED GOALS the benefits to the environment, and four pages speculating Other demographers have challenged the study’s approach about the economic challenges to governments of population and results. Its projections differ from the UN’s because reduction and the implications of a society with more older it considers factors which the UN currently doesn’t, such people in it. as access to education and contraception. However, the researchers have made some assumptions about future trends It is absolutely necessary to prepare for a world with that seem highly optimistic. As we report on p10, the world different demographics than we have today, but these are is not on track to meet the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development challenges that can be met (you can read more about this Goals, and, worryingly, in some crucial respects is going in issue 35, p14). The challenges of increased population backwards. Critically, more women than ever before have an and consumption, however, are even more profound, and unmet need for contraception, according to recent research, far more threatening. These include crashing biodiversity, and threats – from the impact of COVID-19 to US aid cuts – hunger, poverty and worsening climate change. endanger progress even further. Indeed, the study’s authors themselves recognise that talk of ‘declining’ populations poses The possibility of a substantially lower population than what they call ‘a very real danger’ that ‘some states might the UN currently projects is, of course, very welcome. It consider adopting policies that restrict female reproductive would represent hugely reduced pressure on our environment and natural resources. Yet these new projections do not mean that will happen. That will depend on continued investment FIND OUT MORE in the positive solutions which reduce population growth To read a more detailed analysis of the and continuing to reinforce the message that small families study, visit populationmatters.org/ are essential if we are to have decent lives for all on a two-billion-fewer-people healthy planet.

6 populationmatters.org every choice counts CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Children by choice, rather than chance Despite a ‘Strategy’ and a ‘Framework’, the teenage pregnancy rate continues to be high. So, asks PM’s Kat Dixon, what’s going on?

In 1999, the government introduced © Unsplash contraception use and impact on a Teenage Pregnancy Strategy for teenage pregnancy rates. Young women England and, between 1998 and 2017, who cite school as their main source achieved a reduction in the under-18 of relationship and sex education are conception rate between 1998-2017 by more likely to delay having sex, use almost two-thirds. However, the rate of contraception the first time they have conception amongst teenagers remains sex less and are less likely to become higher than many comparable western pregnant by the age of 18 European countries. Taking a wider perspective, Even more worrying is the fact that unintended teenage pregnancies have inequalities still exist between and significant human costs. The Nuffield within areas of the UK. The teenage Trust states: “Research has shown that conception rate in 2018 was higher Flattening the curve of teenage pregnancy is associated with in the 50% most deprived areas in teenage pregnancies looks poorer outcomes for both young parents England. Clearly, more needs to be less achievable due to a and their children. Teenage mothers are done to improve Relationships & Sex less likely to finish their education, are Education (RSE) provision, and access perfect storm of factors more likely to bring up their child alone to contraceptives and sexual health Over the past five years, there have also and in poverty and have a higher risk of services for young people. been unprecedented family planning mental health problems.” In 2018, England funding cuts. COVID-19 has had an published its Teenage Pregnancy impact too. RSE was set to become Prevention Framework to address compulsory in England’s state primary FIND OUT MORE these issues – but flattening the curve schools and secondary schools from Visit populationmatters.org/ of teenage pregnancies looks less and this September. This has now been family-planning-resources less achievable, due to a perfect storm pushed back to give schools more time of factors. to recover from closures during the To support UK organisations such Last year, one of the UK’s longest- COVID-19 crisis. as Jiwsi, which works to empower running sexual and reproductive This delay will likely have long-term young women and girls who have health charities, the Family Planning implications. International studies survived sexual violence, visit Association (FPA) went into liquidation have identified a strong link between EMPOWER TO PLAN after operating for almost 100 years. the provision of high-quality RSE, No plan for our overcrowded islands? Senior parliamentarian Lord Hodgson takes aim at successive governments’ passive acceptance of the projected population growth, writes PM’s Robin Maynard. In his recently published pamphlet, government responsible for assessing Overcrowded Islands? The challenges evidence and providing recommendations of demographic change for the to policymakers. This is along very , Lord Hodgson similar lines to Population Matters’ casts a spotlight on the government’s longstanding campaign for an evidence- unquestioning approach in passively based, integrated, strategic and ethical accepting the projected population Sustainable Population Policy. growth of some 3 million more people Disappointingly, his valuable pamphlet by 2030 and a total of 6 million does shy away from discussing positive more by 2040. His comprehensive solutions such as empowering women, analysis examines the many impacts of reducing teen pregnancies (see above) population growth in the UK. and promoting the benefits that smaller Hodgson takes a careful look at the families bring to people and planet. economic implications of demographic Any discussion of the environmental Overcrowded Islands? change, challenging many of the impacts of population growth must also The challenges of demographic change for assumptions that underlie concerns about recognise the importance of addressing FIND OUTthe United MORE Kingdom Visit populationmatters.org/ ageing populations. The principle call to our unsustainable levels of per capita Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts CBE action is for a ‘Demographic Authority’, consumption here in the UK and other sustainable-population-policy an independent department within developed countries.

populationmatters.org every choice counts 7 X will use more at risk

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A planet on the brink of BIOLOGICAL While the impact of human population extends to almost every imaginable component of our environmental problems, there are few areas in which it is more well‑evidenced and extreme than biodiversity loss, writes PM’s Alistair Currie. We’re not addressing the

Biodiversity is a term used to biodiversity. So far it has largely failed one single factor describe the enormous variety of – the targets it set 10 years ago for 2020 that’s putting life on Earth, where each species, no are almost all going to be missed. The more pressure on matter how small, has an important CBD is now establishing what it calls role to play. Biodiversity is essential the ‘Post-2020 the ecosystem than any for a productive ecosystem and a Framework’, which will set targets other – namely the ever healthy planet. Yet, right now, many and approaches to meet them for the species are on the brink of extinction. decades ahead. increasing size of the Experts estimate we are losing species world’s population. at perhaps 1,000 times the level that Population Matters is actively Chris Packham would exist without human activity. campaigning to have the ethical and PM Patron Once gone, they are lost forever. empowering solutions to population growth recognised as vital components So many scientific and studies of protecting biodiversity in the for such meetings, she remained cross our desks linking the two that Post-2020 Framework. To mark non-committal on the UK lobbying in we cannot even report on them the International Day for Biological support of population action. We are all (our friends at the Center for Diversity on 22 May, we contacted the continuing to press that case through Biological Diversity in the US have ministers of 20 nations to ask them to our involvement in the government’s produced a comprehensive database support measures to address population CBD Stakeholder Forum, which brings at crowdedplanet.org). While the under the CBD. We also launched our together organisations with an interest evidence piles up (see news on p4), new online email action, which allows in the issue. however, almost nothing is being done members of the public to contact the in response. government in their country direct to Sadly, many conservation organisations make the same case. see population as too controversial a SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY debate to become involved in publicly, As we reported in our Autumn 2019 Shortly after that action we met with even when they recognise its impact issue, there is a current opportunity to Rebecca Pow MP, one of the UK and sometimes even take action to move population up the conservation government ministers responsible for address it. We are working hard to agenda. The Convention on Biological biodiversity. Ms Pow was already aware break the taboo. Our recently achieved Diversity (CBD) is the key international of population issues and receptive to membership of the International Union treaty intended to safeguard our arguments, although, typically for the Conservation of Nature (more

8 populationmatters.org every choice counts will use more at risk animals

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Welcome to the We’ve entered the age in which the main force altering the planet is us

■ Driven by our rapid population and , habitat loss and of natural resources are the primary causes of biodiversity © Photos this page: Adobe Stock loss – which is now happening up to a COLLAPSE thousand times faster than for millions of years before.

■ The Earth’s and animals have continued to evolve over the 65 million years since the last mass extinction. But many scientists consider the huge reduction in biodiversity since the If we don’t take action, I would encourage every of is now on the the collapse of our single conservation scale of another mass extinction. This is known as the Anthropocene extinction civilisations and the organisation, every single or sixth mass extinction. extinction of much of government, to consider the natural world the absurdity of unlimited ■ WWF’s latest Living Planet Report estimates that we have lost 68% of all is on the horizon. economic development on vertebrate wildlife populations since Sir David Attenborough a planet with finite natural 1970. That’s more than half of all , PM Patron , , and resources. We can’t push gone in just 50 years. During that human population growth time, our population has more than popularly known as IUCN) which has under the carpet. doubled, increasing from 3.7 billion to 1,300 member organisations, will allow more than 7.7 billion today. us to do far more to forge links with Dame Jane Goodall, other organisations – and we will be PM Patron speaking at our 2019 ■ According to the IUCN Red List of attending its international congress Last Elephant in the Room conference Threatened Species, 41% of amphibians, when the event is rescheduled. 25% of mammals, 34% of conifers, 13% of birds, 31% of and rays, SEEING THE WHOLE PICTURE Governments can help achieve their 33% of reef-building , and Meanwhile, we have continued to environmental targets by investing in 27% of crustaceans are threatened submit evidence and calls for action to and supporting measures which reduce with extinction. the official process of developing the population growth, at the same time Post-2020 Framework, most recently, improving people’s lives and accelerating to a consultation inviting comments progress to achieving other targets. on how the Convention can be tied more closely to the UN’s Sustainable We know there are species of animals Development Goals (SDGs). This was and plants today that it is already too a key opportunity to build on our late to save. If we’re to protect nature recent work on the SDGs, and most in the future, including population importantly, to press for an integrated solutions as part of a holistic and holistic approach to meeting them. approach is vital.

TAKE ACTION More than 1,000 people in 37 countries have contacted their governments to ask them to support measures to address population under the CBD. If you haven’t done so yet, please visit populationmatters.org/cbd-action

populationmatters.org every choice counts 9 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WORLD POPULATION DAY 2020 Are we running out of time to secure a sustainable future?

With only 10 years left to meet the United ’s 17 goals of achieving decent lives for all on a healthy planet, one question looms large: why isn’t population higher up the global agenda?

Saturday 11 July marked World Population Day (WPD) and, for Population Matters, it was the culmination of a What does our report reveal? series of digital events designed to encourage and inspire Our new report – Hitting the Targets: The case for ethical and people to talk about population issues. This year, our theme empowering population policies to accelerate progress towards and activities centred around the UN’s 17 Sustainable the Sustainable Development Goals – calls for urgent global Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to achieve decent action to empower people to choose smaller families. The lives for all on a healthy planet by 2030. However, as things report, authored by PM’s Alistair Currie and Nina Jatana, reveals stand, many of these goals are likely to be missed. Amongst how progress towards meeting many of the goals has been many reasons, this is partly because the issue of human handicapped by population growth – and how in some cases, is population growth is not being addressed. cancelled out entirely. Some of the key facts highlighted include:

TAKING ACTION IN CHALLENGING TIMES ■ In June 2020, the forecast that population Unlike last year when we had the luxury to stage events in growth in the three countries which between them have a three – Lagos, London and New York – this year, due third of the world’s poor – , India and the Democratic to the pandemic, we scaled up our digital activity to reach a Republic of Congo – will outstrip economic growth, leading global audience online: to more poverty ■ The number of people relying on polluting fuels and ■ We launched a new animated video Population and the technologies for cooking has increased, reaching an Sustainable Development Goals explaining how estimated 3 billion people population solutions accelerate progress towards the SDGs. ■ The number of people living in slums has grown from an ■ We counted down the days to WPD on social media with estimated 792 million in 2000, to more than 1 billion in 2016 striking graphics and short videos explaining the links ■ In sub-Saharan Africa, the number of girls out of secondary between population and each of the 17 SDGs, inviting school has increased by 7 million due to the region’s leading environment, health and development experts to population growth comment on how population impacts on some of the goals. ■ The number of women and girls subjected to female genital ■ We hosted a panel discussion with experts from Kenya, mutilation (FGM) is growing because of population growth, India and the US, which was livestreamed on Facebook, and could increase from 4.1 million in 2020 to 4.6 million a and watched by almost 2,000 people around the world. year by 2030 ■ We launched a ground-breaking 24-page report on ■ If current population projections prove correct, by the second population and the SDGs for policymakers and half of the century, humankind will not be able to feed international stakeholders. the global population without causing irreversible environmental destruction

Robin Maynard, Director of TM Population Matters, comments: “Family planning, education and boosting gender equality are the key solutions that empower people to take charge of their lives and protect our only planet. It’s clear that without a sustainable global population, the UN’s SDGs will not be met.” Hitting the targets The case for ethical and empowering population policies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable READ OUR REPORT Development Goals

10 populationmatters.org every choice counts PAGE 11 (BODY COPY 690 words, to show with SDG visual)

CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WORLD POPULATION DAY 2020 Are we running out of time to secure a sustainable future?

What’s missing from the UN’s 17 SDGs? While noble in their aspiration, the fact The combination of climate Responsible consumption that many of the UN’s SDGs are likely change and population and production of food and to be missed by 2030 means that a growth is fuelling a global goods must go hand-in- greater emphasis must be given to water crisis. Experts hand with measures to end the impact of population. Here are just estimate that by 2050, our population growth. some of the reasons why... 5 billion people – more than half the global population – will live in water- A comprehensive review of Large family size and stressed regions. available climate solutions poverty often go hand-in- by Project Drawdown found hand. The poorest people Global energy demand is that slowing population struggle to access expected to increase by growth through the contraception and may 50% over the next 30 combination of educating girls and providing choose larger families because of child years as a result of family planning would be one of the most mortality and to provide economic security. population growth and powerful ways to reduce atmospheric CO2 Where poverty is tackled, family sizes economic development. by 2050. go down. A high number of young ( and runoff), Feeding the world without dependents makes , bleaching, destroying more nature economic prosperity and coastal ecosystem will become increasingly almost impossible. Infinite destruction all exacerbated difficult and eventually economic and population by population growth. impossible under growth can never be sustainable on a Two-thirds of marine areas have been sustained population growth. finite planet. damaged by human activity.

Insufficient funding for The larger the population, Human population growth healthcare systems can the harder it is to provide is one of the main causes cause them to buckle access to modern of biodiversity loss. under the pressure of infrastructure and According to WWF, we growing populations. technologies for everyone. have lost 68% of all Worldwide, almost half of all pregnancies Conversion of land to human infrastructure vertebrate wildlife populations since are unintended and lack of access to or is a key driver of biodiversity loss, and 1970. During that time, the human inadequate family planning services construction is a major source of population has more than doubled. contributes to more than 800 women a day greenhouse gases. dying because of pregnancy or giving birth. Educating and empowering A more just global system, women and communities Greater investment in in which resources are and ensuring access to quality education is key to distributed more voluntary family planning alleviating poverty and equitably, is essential. services can help support ending population growth. Choosing a small family peace and stability goals by increasing the The more years a woman is particularly impactful among the foundation for stability. spends in education, the smaller her family size. wealthiest countries. Cross-sectoral Empowering women and More than half the world’s partnerships that girls to take control of their population lives in urban recognise the links bodies and lives is crucial areas today. By 2050, this between social and for solving our biggest is expected to rise to 68%. environmental issues are social and environmental Rapid urban population key to a better future. COVID-19 has crises. Gender inequality is one of the growth can outstrip the pace at which presented unprecedented challenges, main drivers of high fertility rates. Not infrastructure such as clean water, reversing decades of development. If a single country has yet managed to sanitation, health, jobs and education the goals are to be achieved, a holistic achieve full equality. can be offered. approach is essential.

populationmatters.org every choice counts 11 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WORLD POPULATION DAY 2020 THE LIVE DISCUSSION Valuable insight into the challenges surrounding population issues was provided by a team of experts and activists.

THE PANEL (Clockwise from left) Mari Thekaekara is a human rights activist and writer based in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu. She is president of the Nilgiris chapter of All India Womens’ Conference. See page 15 >> Kelley Dennings is Population and Sustainability Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity and works to highlight and address the connection between exponential human population growth and threats to and wild places. Laurel Hanscom is CEO of the , a research organisation focused on how the world manages its Hosted by our director, Robin Maynard, knowledge and contraceptives door to natural resources and responds to the online panel discussion raised the door, village to village.” climate change. See page 18 for more >> key issues that population needs to be Wendo Aszed, Founder and Executive discussed more openly, cultural barriers BY DESIGN NOT DISASTER Director of Dandelion Africa, an organisation must be addressed and education is key Laurel Hanscom, CEO of the Global she set up to empower women to make to empowering women to be able to Footprint Network, called for a more informed reproductive choices via peer-to- make reproductive choices. What was joined-up approach, stating: “A world peer training in rural Kenya and supported also clear was the intrinsic connection where everyone can live well in ecological by PM’s Empower to Plan. between population and sustainability budget can only happen by design not – and that addressing global population disaster. Environmental sustainability is growth is essential to the future survival underrepresented in the SDG index. We WHAT‘S NEXT? of our planet. can see clearly in the data how projected We want policymakers to talk openly Focusing on India, where family population growth is going to have a and explicitly about population and planning services and contraception is massive impact on our ability to live and elevate the value of empowering widely available and free, human rights thrive on our one planet. By the end of population policies to achieve activist Mari Thekaekara commented: this century, we have median population progress across all the UN’s SDGs by: “Legislation can’t overcome social projection of 11bn – and the more feet and cultural barriers. Many Indian there are the less there is to go around.” ■ Investing in the ethical population women still don’t get to decide how Kelley Dennings, Population and solutions already embedded in Goals many children they have and the use Sustainability Campaigner at the Center 1, 3, 4 and 5: No Poverty, Good of has declined by more than for Biological Diversity acknowledged Health and Wellbeing, Quality 50% in the last decade. Education is some positives: “Because of COVID-19 Education and Gender Equality key. In Kerala there is 100% and the Black Lives Matter movement, ■ Promoting the value and importance and women are educated as much as culturally, there is a new focus on of smaller family size, in wealthy and men so families have no more than injustice. More people in the US have poor countries alike one or two children by choice.” experienced food and energy insecurity ■ Ensuring the value of ethical and and have difficulty accessing healthcare. empowering population action is A light has been shone on the inability A CATALYST FOR CHANGE recognised across all bodies and Wendo Aszed, Founder and to have growth at any cost. There’s a mechanisms intended to achieve the Executive Director of Dandelion Africa, growing consensus that we need to build SDGs, including in multilateral emphasised the impact that grassroots better, not go back to how things were.” environmental agreements action can have, stating: “Women ■ Pushing for all international can be a catalyst for change if they frameworks that are set up to create have every available resource to FIND OUT MORE better, sustainable lives for all to prosper. Dandelion Africa is making Visit populationmatters.org/ address population growth a difference by taking information, take-action

12 populationmatters.org every choice counts CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 “Why can’t we talk about not having children?” Images courtesy of Maxine Trump Maxine Trump’s documentaryTo Kid Or Not To Kid explores the issue of reproductive choice. Here she shares five things that she hopes people will take away after watching her ground‑breaking film.

There should be no judgement about the Gender imbalance is challenged reproductive decisions that individuals make If a man says he has no children or doesn’t want any, it’s It may be the biggest decision of one’s life, yet some people rarely seen in a negative light. Why, in this day and age, is this don’t feel they have the choice of whether or not to have not the same for women? They should not be made to feel kids. I heard this so many times while making the film and they have failed as a woman or are in some way unfulfilled. was shocked that people were telling me this even in New It’s time to challenge what’s long been accepted as the York (where some of the film is based). Others have the norm. During this pandemic, it seems there’s been a step choice taken away because they’re unable to have children – backwards in gender stereotyping, with much of the childcare a term known as childless. I used to call myself childless responsibilities resting with the woman again. We’ve made until someone educated me to the fact there is nothing many steps forward in gender equality and we mustn’t go back. ‘less’ in my choice to not have kids. The term I now use is childfree. To have or not have children is a human right Politicians must talk about over population that everybody should be able to exercise without judgment The human population is contributing to the environmental or criticism, and hey, let’s face it, parenting is hard and crisis we face today – climate change, poverty and species might not suit everyone. extinction are just some of the consequences of having more than 7.7 billion people on the planet. It was one of the reasons Childfree by choice should be seen as that I decided not to have children. I didn’t want them something positive enough and there seemed to be more compelling reasons not In some countries and , there’s an expectation to have to have them. My legacy, I decided, was to protect the planet children, with larger families still considered to be something for other people’s children. Yet, women continue to face to aspire to. I really wanted to explore this pressure, where it’s pressure to have babies and it’s explicitly encouraged by most coming from and why. The UN states that almost half of women and a number of national governments. In the film, in 57 low- to middle-income countries have no decision-making we look at some of the ad campaigns put out by governments power over their health, contraceptive use and sex lives. This – from Denmark to Italy, Hungary to India – and it’s an eye has to change. If you decide you don’t want children you should opener. The issue of population needs to the global be able to make that choice. And your decision shouldn’t have agenda, fast. to be kept hidden. After all, we shouldn’t be bringing unwanted children into an overpopulated world. I’ve seen the impact of unwanted children first-hand in films I’ve edited on the CHILDFREE BY CHOICE foster system. To Kid or Not To Kid is the first English language feature documentary on making the Watching the film will provide a space for people choice to be child free. It challenges who aren’t sure common perceptions and aims In all of my films I strive not only to make them entertaining, to dispel the myth that living (yes, there are quite a few laughs in the film) but also allow childfree is weird, selfish or people room to consider how they feel about what they’re somehow wrong. The worldwide watching. Viewers may have never considered this subject release was launched as a before, but, if they think they might not want children, they Population Matters special live need to talk about it. So let’s help remove some of the stigma, event In June to rave reviews. make it a casual conversation, just as it is if people want kids. For more information about the Or share the film. film, visit tokidornottokid.com Available to view on Amazon Prime.

populationmatters.org every choice counts 13 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Q&A with Pablo Meglioli After successfully setting up Population Matters’ first Facebook and Instagram pages in Spanish, the Argentinian activist achieved powerful media coverage in South America on World Population Day. PM’s Olivia Nater spoke to him to find out more.

Q: How did you first hear about Q: What are the challenges in talking Population Matters, and why did you about these issues to a Latin American want to get involved? or Spanish-speaking audience? A: I have participated in different NGOs A: There are always many challenges that support the environment since I when communicating about sensitive was 17 years old. Over the years, I’ve subjects such as population. There are become increasingly aware that the still people in South America, as there mother of all environmental problems are everywhere, who are in denial about is the massive growth of the human being such a serious population. I was then lucky enough to problem. That’s why we want to play come across Population Matters, which, our part in educating and informing in my opinion, is the most courageous people, to open up the debate – and to NGO, willing to address the issue of help people realise that this is a real issue that cannot be denied or ignored. population head on. I attended PM’s conference on biodiversity in London in Q: Can you tell us about the media 2019 and was able to meet the team, coverage you got for us on World who were clearly serious and Population Day? professional. I knew immediately that I wanted to offer my support, so, we A: We were able to partner with the most worked with the PM team to set up a important media agency in Argentina, which PM Español Facebook page, translating got us great interviews and resulted in coverage in a wide range of media outlets. and re-posting content to raise Based on our experience, we believe that awareness and get Spanish-speaking this could be replayed in other countries people involved. We now have 7,000 by teaming up with the right partners. HABLO ESPAÑOL? followers and, this year, we’ve set up an ■ Spanish is the primary language in Instagram page too. Q: How important is it to reach those 20 countries who don’t speak English? ■ There are around 460 million Q: How have you found people respond native Spanish speakers, making it A: It’s essential if we are to expand the to the Facebook page and Instagram? the second most spoken language work of Population Matters across the Are there particular things they are in the world after Chinese globe. I hope that other countries will interested in? ■ Mexico (128 million) is the most join us and set up social media channels A: We were very surprised to find that populous Spanish-speaking to communicate with local populations country in the world, followed by many people are very interested in the – it’s the best way to engage with people Colombia (50 million) and issue of population – particularly young and get them talking about the issues that Argentina (45 million) people. They are most concerned about affect each and every one of us. It would women’s rights and legalising abortion. be great to see Population Matters HELP US REACH MORE PEOPLE We know that empowering women is ambassadors in every country to spread Please follow us on social media the most effective way to reduce fertility the message that our population is so and share our content. If you rates and achieve a sustainable large that the Earth simply cannot cope know Spanish-speaking people, , so it’s great that our and our most significant environmental tell them about facebook.com/ young people want these important problems are all made worse by our populationmattersespanol issues to be addressed in a public arena. ever-increasing numbers.

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From coercion to education, writer and activist Mari Thekaekara recalls her experiences of India’s population drive over the decades. Lessons from India Population control has been a huge – a huge luxury for those in abject One thing that’s priority on India’s policy list since poverty. The ubiquitous transistor Independence in 1947. We were a was the butt of many jokes – as certain is that with country ravaged by colonisation, were the hapless men who underwent famines, droughts and . As a the vasectomy. education, family child, I have vivid memories of school Government employees were size drops without fundraising relief drives to help people, coerced into bringing in people to especially in the neighbouring state of sterilisation centres. If they didn’t, coercion. Bihar. Many decades later, the issue of financial incentives and promotions India’s population – and how to feed its were held back. Vans went around AND CLASS people – continues to spark debate. with government doctors sterilising Today, things in India have changed Practically every summer, heart- or botching up operations. Quacks a lot for the better, particularly in the breaking images of parched, cracked jumped on the bandwagon. This had South – although there are still many fields and crops damaged by the far-reaching implications though. challenges in terms of addressing relentless summer sun appeared. Then If an unsuccessful vasectomy failed poverty and improving education the monsoon arrived in June. And and the woman became pregnant, provision for girls throughout the rest devastating floods followed. The cruel she was accused of adultery. The men of the country. One thing that’s certain cycle continues 50 odd years later. felt vasectomies diminished their is that with education, family size drops Left wing population theorists say masculinity in the eyes of their friends. without coercion. Middle class families population is not the problem, equitable So, a host of mental health issues with aspirations rarely have more than distribution is. After all, rats feast on followed. The resultant alcoholism two kids. Kerala, with 100% literacy godowns (warehouses) bursting with often led to domestic violence. and the most educated women in the grain. Rice and wheat rot while poor Through the 1960s, there was a new country, clearly highlights this. Young people starve. We are coming close wave of education missions including urban couples where both parents to 75 years of Independence, yet no government-led initiatives including work are increasingly opting for a one government has succeeded in stemming the ubiquitous inverted triangle, the child family. starvation and malnutrition deaths. The family planning symbol, with slogans While this is undoubtedly a positive malnutrition numbers are fudged often, shouting: ‘We two, our two’. Before step forward, education does not mean so as not to give a bad name to the every film in movie theatres there was the woman’s decision-making role regime, every regime, in power. a government documentary which is strong. Culture and class bring in showed a short film, inciting people that different dynamics. Too many Indian THE INFAMOUS EMERGENCY bliss was the two-child norm. Buses and women still don’t get to decide how The right wingers still talk about public transport always carried the two- many children they have and must be controlling population, despite its child family symbol and slogan – a rural empowered to say they don’t want to troubled history – an outrage which man and woman with two smiling kids. have more kids. In India, the preference must not be forgotten. At the height All family planning aid from condoms for the male child may lead to a totally of India’s infamous ‘Emergency’ in the to IUDs to abortions were free. Talking different scenario a few decades from mid ‘70s, there was a forced population openly about contraception became a now. But that, of course, is an entirely curtailing effort. The nation’s poorest normal part of life. different story. men, such as rickshaw pullers and pavement dwellers, were rounded up by vans, taken to hospitals and Mari Thekaekara is a human rights activist and writer based in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu. She is president of the Nilgiris chapter All forcibly sterilised. In return for India Women’s Conference. In 1985 she co-founded Accord to undergoing the dreaded vasectomy work with India’s disadvantaged Adivasi tribal people. operation, they were gifted a transistor

populationmatters.org every choice counts 15 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 © Florence Blondel Responding to a health emergency in Kenya The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities across the globe. Thanks to your support, PM’s Empower to Plan crowdfunding initiative has been able to offer help and support, reports PM’s Kat Dixon.

The repercussions of the spread of COVID-19 (ICPD25). Robin and Florence heard about the challenges have been felt in all parts of the world. With facing young women and met one who was forced more than one billion people already without 500 to turn to prostitution to support her family. access to local healthcare across the globe, Without contraception, she relied on unsafe, existing inequalities within and between million backstreet abortions. countries have increased – and the effect on Women and girls lack women and girls has been devastating, even adequate facilities for Robin and Florence were inspired by the girls in developed nations such as the UK and USA. menstrual hygiene there, who expressed their desire to stay in management school, delay pregnancy until they had chosen

In the UK, rates of domestic violence have risen. Source UN the right time and acknowledged that having Just three weeks into lockdown, the number of calls unintended larger families could prevent work and to the National Domestic Abuse helpline run by Refuge future opportunities. In the rural areas near Tsavo National was 49% higher than normal. Women have also struggled to Park, women farming the land understood the relationship access emergency contraception and safe abortion services. between population and climate change, having experienced Many women in the US already live in so-called ‘abortion ’ first-hand the shift in the seasonal relied on for growing where they must travel more than 100 miles to access their crops. their nearest clinic. 232 During the trip, Florence also met Brian Omariba, In places such as Africa, the impact is the founder of Ghettoh Clean Youth Group in devastating. Wendo Aszed, the founder and million Kibra slum. Following their return, Florence Women and girls do not Executive Director of Empower to Plan have the choice and ability was then introduced to Frederick Okinda, the partner Dandelion Africa, reveals: “COVID-19 to access safe family founder of KOMB GREEN Solutions, located in has significantly affected our work in rural planning and abortion the nearby Korogocho slum. These community- marginalised areas. With schools closed and services led groups work to transform the lives of local most families unable to afford basic needs, girls are Source UN people through conservation work, as well as the vulnerable to sexual abuse, unintended pregnancies delivery of family planning services. KOMB GREEN and domestic violence. Due to social distancing, we are Solutions had been successful in clearing from Nairobi unable to hold our Mobile Outreaches that take reproductive river, while Ghettoh Clean had launched its own solid waste health to people in hard to reach areas. Over 10,000 management programme, collecting and disposing of waste women who depend on our services are susceptible to from households and on the streets of Kibra. unintended pregnancies due to lack of access.” 3 EMERGENCY RESPONSE DESPERATION AND INSPIRATION Resources in the slums are scarce. Although hand At the beginning of the outbreak, our thoughts billion hygiene and sanitation is crucial in preventing went to the communities in Kenya. Kibra, one The number of people who the spread of coronavirus there is limited access of Africa’s largest slums, was visited last year by do not have handwashing to water and sanitation amenities. Our concerns PM’s Director Robin Maynard and Campaigns facilities at home – that’s were worryingly clear: how could the spread of & Project Officer, Florence Blondel, during their 40% of the global a contagious, life threatening virus be contained, trip for the Nairobi Summit on International population and how could the consequences be lessened? How Conference on Population and Development Source UN could we help these communities? We subsequently

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launched two COVID-19 emergency response Empower to Plan crowdfunding projects. Thanks to the support of donors, Thanks to the support of the targets for both projects were reached in record time. Brian donors, the targets were and Frederick were able to purchase and install tippy tanks (a hands-free hand washing device, operated by a foot lever), reached in record time. soap, personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as having and the pressure on health care services mounting, emergency the means to provide a small daily payment to the volunteers supplies are running out. As a result of the continued challenges, overseeing the proper use of the new facilities. Alongside this, Population Matters set up a second emergency crowdfunding to offset the shortage of contraceptives available as a result of project. This funding boost will ensure that the new facilities and the pandemic, a delivery of 6,500 condoms was made by DKT the distribution of condoms can be maintained. International Kenya, to be distributed at handwashing points. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a deep shock to societies DECREASING OPTIONS around the world, exposing and putting further pressure on The small act of providing easy access to condoms is vital. As issues of poverty and existing inequalities. The rights of people, healthcare resources have been re-allocated in response to especially women and girls, must be safeguarded and put at the the pandemic, the options available to women and girls have centre of recovery. The two rapid response projects launched decreased ever further. Facing economic uncertainty, families are this year were unique for Empower to Plan, and thanks to our more likely to resort to child marriage, while girls are more likely supporters, have given hope to our friends in Kenya. to be taken out of school to help with increased care and domestic work. Gender-based violence, rape, early and unintended pregnancies, and maternal mortality all increase as a result. MORE ABOUT

Kenya-based Monique Oliff, who has worked in international EMPOWER TO PLAN healthcare for more than two decades, reports: “There are Population Matters’ Empower to Plan initiative supports so many people in need right now and we are involved in small grassroots NGOs in empowering girls, women and supporting as many as we can here in our community, but communities through the delivery of family planning and our biggest concern is around all the children who are out of environmental conservation services, using the power school now and the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies. All of crowdfunding. Through generous donations from our children and particularly our girls are once again unfairly supporters, Empower to Plan has helped organisations getting the raw end of a global crisis.” such as Dandelion Africa, which works to provide holistic economic, educational and Sexual and Health UNCERTAIN TIMES (SRH) solutions for women and young people in Kenya, and Unfortunately, as the health crisis continues, the people in Kibra You Before Two, a small charity that provides sex education face ongoing uncertainties, as Brian Omariba explains: “There to children in the north of England. has been a worrying rise in coronavirus cases in Nairobi. People To find out more, visit populationmatters.org/empower- have been losing their livelihoods and their homes.” Brian to-plan. You can also send a cheque payable to Population himself has struggled to support his family as the pandemic has Matters to Population Matters, 135-137 Station Road, forced the closure of his small milk business. With no sign of London E4 6AG writing the name of which project you coronavirus cases abating in the region (28,104 confirmed cases would like to support on the back. at the time of writing, with a daily peak seen at the end of July),

populationmatters.org every choice counts 17 CONTENTS | PAGES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Addressing population opens many opportunities to improve lives, to advance social justice and to invest in people

PM’s Director Robin Maynard in conversation with Laurel Hanscom, CEO of the Global Footprint Network.

Robin Maynard: The Global Footprint Network has RM: What are the key messages that you wanted just marked 2020. What were to get across in 2020? the most significant findings this year? Was the event picked up by the media? LH: We’ve identified five, interconnected ‘solution pillars’ that define long-term trends: Planet (how we can help Laurel Hanscom: For the first time ever, Earth Overshoot nature thrive), Cities (how we design and manage cities), Day moved back by over three weeks. The date has moved Energy (how we power ourselves), Food (how we produce, back a few times before, but never this significantly. Under distribute and consume food) and Population (how many very different circumstances, this would be something to of us there are). All are – and can be – shaped by both our celebrate. Unfortunately, the shift has come at a huge cost individual and collective choices to life and livelihoods. We were therefore uncertain whether there would be any reporting on Earth Overshoot Day, In addition to the five pillars, one key message from the given everything else going on this year. Nevertheless, we campaign this year is that you don’t need to wait for found that many people were curious about how COVID-19 others to take steps to #MoveThe Date. In the absence of and the subsequent shutdowns delayed the date. In fact, global agreement and cooperation, preparing your own we managed to garner a fair bit of publicity – even catching family, community or company for the predictable future the attention of France’s President Emmanuel Macron who of climate change and resource constraints is becoming tweeted about it. even more essential. Personally, I find it is an empowering message that you can take action yourself – what you do Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s is not contingent on everyone else. We can turn around demand for ecological resources and services in a given year consumption trends while improving the exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in that year. In 2020, quality of life for all people. it landed on 22 August, more than three weeks later than the previous year. The global economic downturn caused For several years now, we have intentionally framed the by the devastating effect of the coronavirus pandemic has campaign around inspiring people to #MoveTheDate of caused humanity’s to contract. However, Earth Overshoot Day. We are in overshoot. That is just true sustainability that allows all people and life on Earth to data. Rather than dwelling on that reality, however, we thrive can and should only be achieved by positive design, not focus on existing solutions and the many ways we can through disaster. work together to make positive change. Not only that, we are showing how living within the means of what nature provides is more than just a nice sentiment – it is a competitive advantage as we move into a ‑free economy.

To highlight how, the global launch of Earth Overshoot Day 2020 was hosted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the University of Glasgow – as a way to give uplift to COP26 (in addition to a pre-launch with the Club of Rome). The world launch in Scotland was opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, with testimonials from Nigel Topping, the UK’s High Level Climate Action Champion, and COP25 President Carolina Schmidt. We’ve also produced an ebook with Schneider Electric, which argues that enabling humanity to thrive on our finite planet is becoming a key business strategy.

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Laurel Hanscom is CEO of the Global Footprint Network, a research organisation focused on how the world manages its natural resources and responds to climate change. Global Footprint Network applies meaningful metrics to promote positive change in the world and searches for ways to increase the impact and relevance of Ecological Footprint research.

opens many opportunities to improve lives, to advance social justice, and to invest in people, particularly those who have been marginalised. So how do we move past the barriers? Inclusion, reflection, and data. Inclusion of diverse voices, leaders, and geographies. Reflection on the history that shapes our current . Data that allows us to assess the extent of our . By our calculations, if every other family had one fewer child and motherhood was postponed by two years, by 2050, we would move Earth Overshoot Day by 49 days. RM: It’s great to see an analysis that clearly sets out the different pillars being interconnected and impacting upon each other – and that the Global Footprint Network has RM: Are there any positives coming out of the the courage and conviction to acknowledge and address devastating effect of COVID-19? Could this global population. How can we encourage more ‘green’ pandemic bring about a change to the way people feel organisations to feel more comfortable about including about the planet – almost a Blue Planet/ population in discussions about the environment, moment? sustainability and biodiversity? LH: There definitely seems to be a new awareness. Because LH: We absolutely acknowledge that the simple act of everyone on the planet has been affected by the pandemic, raising the issue of population may turn people off from people are far more aware of our interconnectedness – not the sustainability conversation altogether. It’s an incredibly just with each other, but with the Earth and the other species sensitive and complex matter, full of taboos and prejudices. with whom we share it. The pandemic has made it even more At the same time, avoiding the population conversation obvious how population growth factors into the intersection does nothing to address one of the most significant of biodiversity loss and public health. We have seen that contributors to humanity’s increasing demand on the planet. widespread change in a short amount of time is possible. And It was exactly for this reason that we tried something new the experience has demonstrated that if we protect ourselves, this year, asking the simple question: should we even be we protect others at the same time. Let’s apply this wisdom talking about population? We invited folks from around more broadly. Let’s not allow the loss we have experienced to the world to contribute their perspectives. The result was have been in vain. an incredible mosaic of pros and cons, overwhelmingly highlighting the advantages and benefits of including population in the discussion. RM: Finally, you’ve agreed to join PM’s Expert Advisory Group – which we’re very grateful for. It’s been good to There are so many positive solutions and great opportunities work more closely with the Global Footprint Network to highlight the intersection of human rights, public health during both our World Population Day events and Earth and sustainability – and there are two organisations in Overshoot Day. What are your hopes and ambitions for the environmental/climate sphere that have addressed our ongoing collaboration? population really well. Project Drawdown has modelled the influence of universal education and family planning, thereby LH: I’m looking forward to learning more about PM’s work quantifying the power of rights-based solutions in our and finding ways to support one another. I believe there fight against climate change. Also, the Center for Biological are always more ways to strengthen your communication Diversity’s Endangered Species Condoms project that by including additional Ecological Footprint data. The connects population to biodiversity – I love the clever way sustainability movement is an ecosystem and we each have they are normalising the conversation through humour. our role in it – I’m glad for the opportunity to do some cross- pollinating. I want to applaud the team at PM for taking on a sticky, but important topic. It’s not lost on me that great care RM: How do you feel the blocks and barriers that has been taken to put empowerment and choice at the centre obstruct more action being taken to tackle population of all your efforts. I think there are always improvements that can be overcome in a positive way? can be made in the way we engage with the topic – especially in the way we respond to detractors and where we form LH: Our message is that each of the five pillars is an alliances. Continuing to increase the diversity of partners and opportunity to invest in a world that works for all. ambassadors, as you clearly are, will support all aspects of the Accordingly, we want to show that addressing population PM mission.

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When will the unmet need for modern be met?

In developing countries, family planning provision is not keeping pace with population growth 2020 million 2019 1990 272 232 270million* million*

*Women of reproductive age who wish to avoid pregnancy but who do not use any method of contraception. This trend is on the rise due to rapid population growth and slow progress in improving access.

Source: Kantorov et al 2020, using data from 185 countries