The Global Population Growth and Sustainable DevelopmentThe latest report on major demographic trends was launched Wednesday.
According to the study that examines the link between population growth, sustainable development, and the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable living, the world’s population has more than tripled since 1950.
Rich nations need to act
The authors stated that while population growth can magnify the negative effects of economic processes on the environment and increase the risk of environmental damage, the increase in per capita income is more important than the growth in population in driving increased production, consumption, and emissions of greenhouse gasses.
It is more difficult for countries with greater wealth to move quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also have to implement strategies to decouple human activity from environmental degradation.
Other important findings include the fact that most of the world’s future population growth will occur in developing countries.
Failure and success
Increasing populations are a result of people living longer thanks to improvements in nutrition, public health, and medicine.
This was described by the authors as one of economic and social development’s greatest successes.
Rapid population growth is not the only problem. It also means that not everyone has the knowledge, ability, and means to decide whether or when they want children.
Access to reproductive health services, especially for women can help accelerate economic and social development and break the cycle of poverty.
Window of opportunity
Countries with high fertility levels could invest in education, health, and promote full employment for all.
A drop in fertility could lead to an opportunity for rapid economic growth.
Other findings show that developing countries will need support to reduce future emissions, as their economies develop, as well as financial and technical assistance.
Food systems must also change to be more sustainable and meet growing demands to limit environmental damage.
