Make a buzz for the insects: May Supporters' Update

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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