Worrying Developments

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MAY 2022

Dear John,

In this month's update, we are reporting on some deeply worrying
developments, from the US to Ethiopia, which remind us of how much work
there is to do to secure true gender equality. However, the inspiring work
of the Afghan Family Guidance Association, that we are proud to support
through our Empower to Plan programme, offers hope and inspiration.

In light of further disturbing news about the health of our planet, our new
HUMANATURE campaign focuses our attention on the amazing biodiversity we
have on Earth and what we must all do to protect it. And we highly
recommend the last ever blog by our outgoing Communications Manager,
Olivia, who produced this Update for nearly four years. Her tribute to our
patron Sir David Attenborough for his 96th birthday is a wonderful read.

- The PM Team

NEWS FROM POPULATION MATTERS

Campaign: HUMANATURE

We are proud to launch our new campaign to highlight humankind’s
relationship with nature and the adverse impact of our growing numbers on
it. At its heart is the principle that we humans must see ourselves as an
integral part of nature, not separate from and superior to it. We hope it
will inspire people to take action, locally, nationally and globally, to
help protect biodiversity and make the case for slowing and ending human
population growth.

Read more [3]

David Attenborough's greatest achievement

Our Patron Sir David Attenborough turned an impressive 96 years old on 8th
May. The beloved broadcaster has much to be proud of and it is probably no
exaggeration to say that nobody has inspired as many people to care about
the environment as he has. But it’s not just love for all things furry,
feathered and scaly that he’s helped spread. Olivia Nater reflects on his
influence.

Read more [4]

Empower to Plan: We are in Afghanistan

Our new Empower to Plan partner, the Afghan Family Guidance Association,
plays an essential role in the provision of sexual and reproductive health
services, with family planning counselling clinics in Kabul.

With the Taliban now trying to reverse hard-won progress on women's rights,
please help Afghan women and girls access vital sexual and reproductive
healthcare. Special thanks to supporters who have already contributed.

Support women and girls in Afghanistan [5]

POPULATION & ENVIRONMENT

Report: Overconsumption in the world’s richest countries is
destructive, globally

According to UNICEF, many of the world’s richest countries – including
Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Norway – are providing healthier
environments for children within their borders, yet are disproportionately
contributing to the destruction of the global environment.

Read more [6]

UN: Population growth driving drought

A new report foresees a future in which droughts may affect over
three-quarters of the world’s population, unless we take action. Climate
change and population growth are identified as key drivers, with drought
predicted in 23 countries to be driven primarily by population growth, and
in 38 by the combination of climate change and population growth.

Read more [7]

WOMEN'S RIGHTS & SEXUAL HEALTH

For Ethiopian girls, drought means child marriage

The drought in Ethiopia is causing more girls to be married off as their
parents can no longer support them. Child marriage is a human rights
violation and fuels population growth.

This escalating crisis can only be solved by empowering women.

Read more [8]

Roe v. Wade: Uterus under attack

Millions of women across the US could soon lose their legal right to
abortion, according to a leaked Supreme Court document. If Roe v Wade is
overturned, it could inspire other countries to roll back women's
reproductive rights as well.

We cannot let this happen.

Read more [9]

TAKE ACTION

Welcome to HUMANATURE

MAKE A BUZZ FOR INSECTS

Join our first HUMANATURE campaign initiative, _Insect Populations Matter_,
and do your bit to protect these tiny creatures we all depend on.

Crucial for all life on Earth, insects are in decline due to human
activity, driven by population growth. See what you can do at home and in
your communities to protect them. We have 10 SUGGESTIONS to get you
started.

Learn More [10]

Quote of the month

_"You know the astonishing complexity of pregnancy, you know people get
coerced, you know people are simply too poor to cope, you know all the
myriad reasons someone might need safe access to abortion. The sickening
thing is, you just don't care." _

- Reverend Lizzi Green (read her story in_ BBC News_ [11])

Manage your communication preferences here [12].

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© 2022 Population Matters

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