Seven billion humans are alive today, up from one billion in 1900, and the environment is taking a beating. What's next? Nine-plus billion by 2050? Eleven billion? But what happens to these numbers if we educate and empower women? If we provide family planning services? What's stopping us? In "Soaring Past 7 Billion: Population Challenges for a Crowded World," John Seager, president of Population Connection, addresses these issues. He spoke in Portland last winter for the University of Oregon's Life Long Learning Institute. (Talk edited for time by Stephanie Potter. Music by Kevin MacLeod.)
Population growth stretches natural resources to their limits. Deforestation, food and water shortages, and climate change are all intensified by the addition of nearly 80 million people a year to the world's population. According to the United Nations, the global population could be as high as 11 billion in 2050 or as low as 8 billion, if the right programs are put in place now. At least 200 million women around the world would like to delay or end childbearing but have no access to contraception. Family planning improves maternal and infant health and allows women to be more active in society. The 50 poorest countries on earth are also those with the highest fertility rates. Voluntary family planning improves everyone's quality of life. --Population Connection