This landmark research will evaluate the feasibility of achieving a population future at (or ideally, below) the United Nation’s (UN) low projection of 7.3 billion by 2100 – one that ensures a good quality of life whilst respecting our planet’s environmental limits. Population Matters (PM) will collaborate with leading academics at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk to offer a credible vision for a practical transition to a sustainable future. The Centre was co-founded by Astronomer Royal, Lord Martin Rees and is Chaired by our Patron, Sir Partha Dasgupta. A leading economist, Sir Partha has recently led a comprehensive global review of the link between biodiversity and economic growth, and featured in the BBC One production of Sir David Attenborough's latest film documentary, 'Extinction: The Facts'. He highlighted the fact that: “40 years ago people in the UK consumed a good deal less. But there is no evidence that we were unhappier then.” This suggests that there is an opportunity to rebalance our behaviours and ensure good quality of life for all - for the benefit of people and our one planet. There is an urgent need for us to explore and understand all the factors shaping our potential global futures and what the implications are for our lives. That’s why our work with the Centre is
so important. The research will assess the full range of drivers of population change and identify ethical, equitable, progressive policy measures to promote our most beneficial population futures (and avoid the most damaging). We want to demonstrate that the UN’s low 2100 projection is achievable through ethical, practical solutions that are underpinned by policy and behaviour change. Together with this research, we can better influence policy choices that will enable everyone to thrive in harmony with nature within the limits of our Earth’s resources, now and for generations to come. |
