| The Population Program's
mission is to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for
future generations by advancing global reproductive health and
sustainable development initiatives.
World population, now 6.7 billion, is growing at the rate of 78
million people per year. The United Nations (UN) predicts that by 2050
there will be 9 billion people.
The population program of the Massachusetts Chapter was organized
fifteen years ago. It is part of the Global Population and Environmental
Program of Sierra Club. We have been supported by grants, individual
donations, and in-kind contributions by Smith College in Northampton.
The program’s purpose is to teach students the connection between
growing population and depletion of natural resources. We have
volunteers from the colleges and the community.
Over the years we have had 20 lectures with many speakers from
important organizations. For example, Thoraya Obaid, the president of
the UN Family Planning Program, the President of International Planned
Parenthood, and Margaret Catley- Carlson (who is chair of the largest
group of water experts in the world).
Pressure on food and water resources is one of the worst effects of
population growth. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates
that in 2006 854 million (820 in developing countries) people were
undernourished.
In his book The Future of Life, E.O. Wilson says there are 68
countries in the developing world with 40 percent of their population
under the age of 15. He also says “As the population continues to
explode water and arable land grow scarce.” One billion people lack
clean water and 2.5 billion lack sanitation, therefore 4,000 children
die every day from dirty water and every day 25,000 people die from
hunger.
Because of competition (such as corn being used for biofuels), high
oil prices, and increasing middle classes in some countries, food prices
rose 50 percent between 2006 and 2008. Soil erosion reduces the
fertility of croplands.
We have also drawn attention to the importance of education for
women, since women who are educated usually want to use contraception if
it is available. Despite significant improvements in education in many
parts of the world, in Africa one half of the women still have no
education.
Our newsletter goes to people who have attended our events and have
asked to be on our list, including students in the Five Colleges
(Hampshire, Amherst, Mt. Holyoke, University of Massachusetts and Smith)
and community people.
Volunteers are always welcome.
Anita King is chair of the Population Committee; she can be
reached at 413- 268-9212.
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