In advance of the conference last week, we laid the groundwork by releasing a fully-referenced briefing about the role of population in achieving ambitious global goals in relation to water and sanitation. We also delved into the matter further in this blog, looking at the part population plays in addressing key water issues.

Population Matters is opening up the global population conversation. We’re raising awareness of the key issues, promoting available solutions and, crucially, enabling diverse voices to be heard – facilitating those with real legitimacy to shape a new narrative. Check out the new annual report to see what we've been up to.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. The report reiterates human responsibility for our current crises and warns that more extreme weather events are inevitable if the current trend continues. It also highlights the critical actions that need to be taken to reach our environmental targets.

PM Patron Chris Packham has written a piece for the New Scientist on the importance of achieving a sustainable population. In the article he makes the point that getting to grips with population growth through a mixture of women's rights, education and raising people out of poverty is the key to tackling our environmental crises.

A recent comprehensive study has shown a direct link between keeping babies alive and reductions in global population. The group of Australian academics concluded that improved access to contraception and family planning are what’s required. 

With our Empower to Plan programme, we have partnered with many grassroots organisations around the world to empower women. Many women, in both high and low-income countries, lack the contraception, knowledge and freedom to take control of their fertility.