World Population

Today, world population will reach 6 billion people. Population growth affects us here because population growth and wasteful consumption have a devastating impact on our global environment. The world’s tropical forests have already lost somewhere between one-fifth and one-third of their original size. In the last 100 years, humans have increased the level of carbon dioxide in the air by 30% and methane by 145%, two global-warming pollutants. We are also losing species at a rate not seen since the dinosaurs died out.

The solution is to slow population growth and reduce wasteful consumption. The most successful strategy is to ensure that women have access to family planning and reproductive health care, education and economic opportunities. Higher levels of women’s education are strongly associated with both lower maternal and infant mortality and illness rates and smaller, healthier families. By opening doors of education and social participation for the world’s women and children, we cannot only help our human family to a better life but reduce our pressure on the planet as well.

JOAN JONES HOLTZ

El Monte