In the time it takes us to get to the end of this sentence, seven people have been added to the population of the world. At this rate, the United Nations (UN) estimates the number of people on the planet will nearly double by the middle of this century.
Even with significant reductions in birth rates, the population is expected to increase from 6.7 billion now to 9.2 billion by 2050. These figures are staggering.
Yet there is hardly any mention of them in discussions regarding global warming and climate change. Some population activists argue the world can only support a population of two to three billion, even as few as 500 million in future. But even if reducing the world’s population is unlikely or distasteful, it is incredible that there is not even a debate about limiting and maybe one day reversing growth. There are many understandable reasons for the prevailing reluctance to talk about population. But other evidence suggests it is too soon to relax. Even if huge advances can be made on slashing greenhouse gases, there is an argument that densely populated countries cannot cope with local environmental stresses such as home-building, fresh water use, waste, traffic, light pollution, and noise.
Another deterrent to discussing population is the uncomfortable suspicion that environmentalism is a soft cover for more objectionable population agendas to stop or reduce immigration or growth in developing countries. Sometimes it might be. But that does not take away the underlying fact: that more people use more resources and create more pollution. The biggest obstacle to debate is the matter of possible solutions. Propositions such as ignoring disease or limiting life-saving medical treatment can be ruled out as unacceptable, and birth control is objectionable to many on moral grounds. It is not surprising that green groups and politicians, worried about offending supporters, stay silent.
Is this enough to tackle such a big issue? Even with the most optimistic assumptions about falling birth rates, the UN forecasts a population increase to 7.8 billion by 2050. But that is still considerably less than a population of 9.2 billion. And the experts say the success of campaigns in countries such as Bangladesh and other developing nations suggests the best family planning services, especially combined with women’s education and human resource development, could go even further. It is understandable then that people are worried about discussing population, but fear of misrepresentation, offence or failure is not a good enough reason to ignore one of the world’s biggest problems runaway population growth.
Gopal Sengupta
Canada
Source: http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com
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