World Population Day, a birth rate crisis and vice-presidential picks

July Update

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JULY 2024

Dear John,

Two billion more people over the next 40 years. That's the new projection from the United Nations, reported in their latest figures released on World Population Day, with the global population to peak at 10.3 billion in the mid 2080s. Though these numbers are more optimistic than those from two years ago, there's still much work ahead.

Population projections aside, World Population Day saw us announce the recipients of our latest Change Champions awards, celebrating a new group of inspiring people from all over the world. We also hosted a successful online event, Women in Conservation, featuring three insightful speakers from the Philippines, Kenya and Colombia.

This month we also looked at a troubling mass whale beaching in Orkney, what the new vice-presidential candidate has said about reproductive rights in the US and we published a three-part blog series titled, Why the world needs fewer babies.

- The PM team

NEWS FROM POPULATION MATTERS

World population likely to peak in 60 years

On World Population Day, the United Nations released its updated projections for global, regional and national population change up to 2100. It predicts there’ll be another two billion people on the planet by 2061, peaking at 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s before declining slightly by the end of the century.

Meet our new group of exceptional award winners

To mark World Population Day, we have once again given awards to individuals and organisations across the globe for their progressive and inspiring work defending the environment, promoting reproductive rights and enlightening the public about the challenges we face and the solutions available.

Challenging pronatalism amid global population growth

Population Matters’ CEO Amy Jankiewicz recently wrote a comment piece for the Independent, which we have mirrored on our site. The article challenges pronatalism and highlights some of the devastating impacts on the planet and its wildlife species.

Another packed World Population Day

World Population Day 2024 has come and gone, and it was a busy day filled with projections, awards and an event. In this roundup, we highlight the day's activities, including an opportunity to rewatch our online webinar, Women in Conservation.

POPULATION & ENVIRONMENT

Tiger habitat and human expansion

On International Tiger Day, we revisited the tiger chapter of our Vanishing Icons report. It investigates the loss of tiger habitat, 57% of which is within 5km of a road, and the impacts of population growth.

Why are whale beachings on the rise?

Following the tragic mass beaching of 77 pilot whales on World Population Day, we assess how human activity is damaging the world’s oceans and having catastrophic effects on the survival of marine species.

Why the world needs fewer babies

This three-part series explores the widespread push to increase birth rates around the world. Part one outlines the issue and unpacks why political leaders are panicking. The second edition looks at some examples of individuals and governments who are encouraging people to have more babies and the final part discusses our continuing population growth and how we can adapt to a low-fertility future.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS & SEXUAL HEALTH

The threat to reproductive rights in the US

Republican vice-presidential pick JD Vance is causing concern due to his staunch anti-abortion views, including supporting a nationwide ban. We investigate the US Senator’s previous comments on the issue of reproductive rights.

Responding to the "birth rate crisis"

The Spectator, a weekly British news magazine, says Britain is in a birth rate crisis. We sent a letter, which you can read here, in response to their article explaining why there is no need to panic over falling birth rates.

TAKE ACTION

In celebration of fundraisers

With the warmest days upon us (here in the UK, at least!) now is a great time for you to get involved with a little fundraising. You can fundraise for us in any way you like – from holding a stall at a summer fête to a sponsored sporty challenge. Click below for more information.

Find out more

Quote of the month

“This recognition motivates me to continue working tirelessly to empower communities, especially women and young girls, to make informed choices about their health and futures.”

- Hadiqa Bashir, Population Matters Change Champions Young Campaigner of the Year

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