Dear John,

This month, we’ve been diving into the big question: how is our rapidly growing population reshaping the world as we know it? From its effects on women’s rights and access to education, to the loss of biodiversity and the strain on natural resources, population growth is a driving force behind many of the challenges we face today.  

We’re already witnessing conflict over dwindling resources, exacerbated by climate change, while rising consumption in many parts of the world continues to put mounting pressure on our planet’s natural systems. That’s why it’s crucial we talk about the drivers behind these challenges – and what we can do about them. 

In this month’s newsletter, we’re discussing the latest population trends, and giving you the chance to test how much you really know about our growing population! 

- The PM team

The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), released at the end of August, revealed fertility rates in England and Wales have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2024, the Total Fertility Rate (the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her child bearing life) fell to 1.41, down slightly from 1.42 in 2023.

We’ve been discussing these findings with various national media outlets. 

As conversations following the release of the ONS figures have shown, discussions about population are still often overshadowed by pronatalist rhetoric and fear-driven narratives of inevitable decline. In this climate, it’s more important than ever to keep having open, evidence-based conversations about population, sustainability and the environment. 

Why not start by testing your own knowledge? Take our population quiz, share it with your friends, and help spark those vital conversations! 

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our used stamp appeal over the past year. We’re truly grateful for everyone’s kind support and involvement. 

After careful review, we’ve made the decision to close the appeal. Sadly, the cost of collecting the stamps has outweighed the funds raised, making it no longer viable for us to continue. 

We’ll still process the stamps we’ve already received, but we’re unable to accept any new stamp donations. 

If you’d still like your stamps to support a good cause, many local charities and charity shops welcome them — and donating locally can help reduce costs. 

Thank you again for your continued support. 

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