One of PM's longstanding calls to action is that every country should have a 'Sustainable Population Policy'. You might expect me to be delighted that Scotland's devolved administration has further demonstrated its independent thinking by publishing the country's first national population strategy. Unfortunately, there is a disconnect between Scotland's other distinctive, progressive policy positions and that on population. Almost uniquely amongst developed countries, Scotland is close to having enough nature, natural resources and ecosystem services to balance out the ecological footprint of its citizens. Instead of celebrating being on the brink of sustainability, Scotland’s population policy is characterised by conventional economic thinking. The policy is carefully worded but there is little to distinguish it from the pro-natalist policies popping up across the world. You can read my blog about it here. This month we focused on countering this all too prevalent and harmful pro-growth narrative (see ‘Baby Drought?’ and ‘Handmaid’s Reality’ below) and we were delighted to feature a guest blog by Dr Yasmeen Qazi, Senior Advocacy Advisor on Family Planning for the Gates Foundation in Pakistan, urging world leaders to ramp up investment in empowering population solutions. - Robin Maynard, Director, Population Matters
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