Re: Earth’s ‘vital signs’ show humanity’s future in balance, say climate experts

The Guardian recently reported on a new study warning of the danger of unchecked growth. We wrote a letter in response, which wasn’t published, so we are featuring it here.

We encourage all our members and supporters to make their voices heard! See our media guide for advice on how to do that.

Thanks to Damian Carrington for covering Ripple et al.’s latest critical warning about the growing danger of societal collapse. Already back in 1972, the seminal scientific publication The Limits to Growth warned that unchecked growth in consumption and population would likely result in “a rather sudden and uncontrollable decline in both population and industrial capacity” within a century.

Unfortunately, world leaders continue to ignore warnings about the finite nature of our planet, even acting in opposition to them by pursuing endless economic and population growth.

The transformative economic change required to avert collapse may be politically unpalatable, but no such argument can be made about acting on the population factor by empowering women and girls around the world to take charge of their bodies and lives.

Ending population growth is key to easing the enormous pressure on our planet, but it is also vital to saving lives in the shorter term. The areas with the fastest growing populations are also the ones facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Investing in removing barriers to family planning and education helps build resilience to climate shocks and reduces unwanted pregnancies, thereby limiting the number of future children exposed to escalating drought, famine, and natural disasters. There’s no time to lose.

Sincerely,

Olivia Nater
Communications Manager
Population Connection