Policy & Issue Briefs

Deforestation threatens the well-being and livelihoods of millions of people who heavily depend on forest resources. It is particularly devastating for women and children in poor rural communities. Yet deforestation is occurring at alarmingly high rates, especially in areas of … Continue reading »

Almost one in seven people around the world are chronically hungry, lacking enough food to be healthy and lead active lives. This is despite the fact that enough food exists for all of the world’s people. Agricultural policies, the prices … Continue reading »

Population’s effects on education and the labor force will influence the opportunities available for the current generation of young people, the largest in history. The demographic transition—the combination of falling mortality rates followed by falling fertility rates—provides countries with a … Continue reading »

Links between Population Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS Fertility, migration and urbanization affect the spread of diseases including tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Increased population densities and unhealthy living conditions in urban slums can ease the transmission of infections. Migration may also … Continue reading »

Links between Population and Climate Change Adaptation Demographic trends have an important connection to both the challenges and solutions to the problem of climate change. Rapid population growth exacerbates vulnerability to the negative consequences of climate change, and exposes growing … Continue reading »

Links between Population and Biodiversity Population is recognized as an indirect driver of biodiversity loss, as human demands for resources like food and fuel play a key role in driving biodiversity degradation. This happens primarily through the conversion of ecosystems … Continue reading »

The State of Maternal Health Maternal mortality is a top cause of death among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Approximately 350,000 women die each year due to pregnancy-related causes, despite recent improvements and international commitments to reducing maternal … Continue reading »

This updated guide to Population Action International’s mapping website shows how climate change and population dynamics will change the world over time. High rates of population growth and climate change consequences overlap in many countries. Interactive maps illustrate how climate … Continue reading »

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports family planning and reproductive health programs in developing countries that save women’s lives. UNFPA provides international leadership on population issues and is a key source of financial assistance for these important programs. Maintaining … Continue reading »

The world’s population will reach 7 billion people on Oct. 31, 2011, and according to United Nations projections, we are on pace to add 3 billion or more by the end of this century. Already, millions of women in developing … Continue reading »