The pronatalism trap, sustainable development and being childfree

August Update

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AUGUST 2024

Dear John,

The United Nations' (UN's) Summit of the Future in September will bring together world leaders, experts and civil society to discuss "how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future." We will be there to make our voice heard.

In this update, we explain the relevance of population within the UN's Sustainable Development Goals' framework and ask you to contact your government to request greater commitment to them, as well as the inclusion of population.

For International Childfree Day, Population Matters' Accountant Lisa reflects on being childfree. We also look at the threat to African Elephants for World Elephant Day and hear from an inspiring group of young people for International Youth Day. Additionally, we publish two fact-checking response pieces to articles published in The Spectator (UK) and The New York Times (US).

- The PM team

NEWS FROM POPULATION MATTERS

Fact check: “The global fertility crisis is worse than you think”

The Spectator, a weekly British news magazine, has published an article falsely claiming that the global population will decline. We responded with a detailed fact-check debunking the article’s claims.

On being childfree as an opportunity to care

International Childfree Day fell on 1 August, a day to highlight and celebrate the choice nto not have children. Population Matters’ Lisa Vella spoke of her experience being childfree.

Steering clear of the pronatalism trap

An article in The New York Times calls for progressive politicians to adopt the pronatalist policies promoted by JD Vance. Campaigns and Media Officer Madeleine Hewitt responds and explains why we must address population growth as an environmental issue and avoid the pronatalism trap.

Population solutions drive sustainable development

The United Nations’ (UN's) 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a global blueprint for a better future, addressing pressing challenges like poverty, inequality and climate change. With the UN Summit of the Future just under a month away, we focus on how population solutions can help achieve these ambitious targets.

POPULATION & ENVIRONMENT

Running out of room: Humans encroaching on wildlife habitats

Population growth means that humans will push further into wildlife habitats across more than 50 per cent of land by 2070, according to a new study. We unpack how this will lead to accelerating biodiversity loss and increased human-wildlife conflict.

The duel threats to endangered elephants

On World Elephant Day, we revisited the elephant chapter of our Vanishing Icons report. It explores the main reasons African elephants are endangered: poaching and habitat fragmentation. It also examines how population growth contributes to both issues.

Empowering young voices and shaping global policy

On International Youth Day, we invited our Change Champions 2024 campaigning group award winner, the McGill Youth Advisory Delegation, to write for us. Their Branding Officer reflect on its mission and the pivotal role the younger generations play in shaping youth-centred global policies

Parched earth: How population growth fuels water challenges

The theme of this year's World Water Week, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, speaks to the collective effort required to achieve global water goals. Our numbers and the impact we have on our environment must be part of the conversation.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS & SEXUAL HEALTH

The Democratic perspective on reproductive freedom

Having already looked at what a Donald Trump and JD Vance presidency might mean for women’s rights in the US, Campaign and Communications Specialist Florence Blondel runs the rule over the new Democratic ticket.

Choosing not to have children due to climate concerns

"“Birth strike” is an increasing phenomena and an extremely personal choice. There is no doubt that we face severe disruption due to climate change, therefore, some people are genuinely afraid of what the future will hold for younger generations."

TAKE ACTION

Bring population into the Summit of the Future

The Summit of the Future will take place in September. The conference is intended to develop a plan to improve international cooperation and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But neglecting population growth and unsustainable consumption has put the brakes on progress.

Please contact your government to press them for greater commitment to the SDGs, and to recognise the importance of tackling population.

Take action now

Quote of the month

“Pronatalists often brand Childfree people as superficial and selfish. On the contrary, I have found that being Childfree offers an opportunity to channel the time, energy and focus out into the wider world which may otherwise have been spent on raising children. If a family member is unwell or in need, I can be there. If there is a cause or organisation I care about, I can volunteer my time.”

- Lisa Vella, Population Matters

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