Human population density main driver of nature loss in Africa
A new study reveals that rapid human population growth is the biggest driver of environmental degradation in African countries, highlighting the urgent need for greater investment in family planning as a pathway to achieving biodiversity and sustainable development targets.
Condoms cut carbon - Population Matters at the Mass Climate Lobby
Decked in giant condom robes, Population Matters and supporters attended the mass lobby for climate and the environment in London yesterday, highlighting the urgent need for smaller families.
No water, no life: Population growth and climate change are fuelling the water crisis
From India to sub-Saharan Africa to Britain, local water shortages are turning into a global water crisis due to population pressure and climate change.
UN report: Small change in family size, big change in future population
According to new UN data, the world’s population is projected to grow by more than 3 billion people by the end of the century, increasing from the current 7.7 bn to 10.9 bn. As in previous years, the data show that small changes in family size translate into a difference of several billion people by the end of the century – just half a child less per couple would see our population peak well before 2100.
A new report reveals the extent of the damage caused by President Trump’s global family planning funding cuts. Vulnerable women and girls around the world are being deprived of vital reproductive healthcare, with devastating consequences.
The profile of population and family size is continuing to grow in the media. That discussion is normalising the choice to have few or no children for environmental reasons, and it's something policymakers can no longer ignore.
Small families around the world share their thoughts
We asked people why they chose to have small families and were overwhelmed by the hundreds of testimonials we received from around the world. Both parents and child-free people shared their views on small family life and how concern about the environment often played a key role in their decisions about how many children to have.
One million species face extinction unless we address population growth
A major new UN report on the state of the world’s biodiversity states that nature is being destroyed faster than ever before due to population and economic growth. Three-quarters of all land environments and two-thirds of all marine environments have been severely damaged by humans over the past five decades, leading to one million species now threatened with extinction.
Letting the elephant out of the room: Our 2019 Conference
Population Matters’ annual conference in London this past Saturday left attendees feeling enlightened and inspired. This year’s theme was the crucial link between population growth and the sixth mass extinction. With an incredibly knowledgeable international panel of speakers from diverse backgrounds, it was a fantastic event that highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues and the urgent need for the conservation community to address this.
State of the World Population: Women and girls left behind
The latest UNFPA State of the World Population report highlights widespread and persistent gender inequality, with hundreds of millions of women around the world still unable to control how many children they have.
Human population growth squeezing out Serengeti wildlife, study shows
A new studyreveals that rapid human population growth along the edge of the iconic Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is forcing wildlife to retreat to its core areas and endangering its ability to sustain life.
Population growth slows progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, says UN
The world is not on track to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals because efforts to implement them have not kept pace with rapid human population growth, according to the United Nations.
UK nature under assault: failed biodiversity targets and water stress
The United Kingdom is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, yet the onslaught on our natural environment is showing no signs of slowing. Two key new reports demonstrate that UK wildlife and freshwater sources face a dire future unless urgent action is taken to protect them.
Population and consumption causing extinction crisis and water shortage
The latest UN Global Resources Outlook report reveals that natural resource extraction and processing is responsible for 90% of water stress and biodiversity loss and is driven by the combination of rapid population and economic growth.
A new report shows that adolescents are more likely to use contraception when women and men are more equal in their society. The authors argue that achieving safer sex among teenagers requires work to overturn sexist policies, expectations and attitudes.
Crisis? What crisis? Government complacency on environment
The UK and Scottish Governments have responded to a letter from Population Matters with platitudes and complacency. In the case of the Scottish Government, their reply was sent eight months after we first contacted them.
A new study found that three out of five of the world's largest animal species are threatened with extinction because humans are killing them for food.
