Topic » Population Trends and Demography
In 2011, the world’s population will surpass 7 billion. While the rate of population growth has slowed in most parts of the world, we still increase by nearly 80 million people every year—the equivalent of adding another U.S. to the world every four years. The number of people on the planet has doubled since 1960, and if current growth rates continue, the world’s population would hit 11 billion by 2050. Common estimates of a 9 billion plateau for world population rest of questionable assumptions about falling fertility rates and the availability of contraception. Currently, 215 million women around the world want to avoid pregnancy but need contraception.
Most countries in the developing world have high fertility rates and are getting younger; some developed countries have low fertility rates and are aging. Research has shown that demographics can have a significant impact on countries’ stability, governance, economic development and the well-being of its people. PAI believes that the future of population growth will be shaped by actions we take today, including providing access to family planning.
FEATURED PUBLICATIONS
The Shape of Things to Come – Why Age Structure Matters To A Safer, More Equitable World
Updated Report available: The Shape of Things to Come: The Effects of Age Structure on Development By Elizabeth Leahy with Robert Engelman, Carolyn Gibb Vogel, Sarah Haddock and Tod Preston What follows is the result of more than two years of … Continue reading
Policy Brief
Why Population Matters to Climate Change
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
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Policy Brief
Why Population Matters to Biodiversity
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
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Policy Brief
Why Population Matters to Maternal Health
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
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Steal My Idea, Please! Why An Open Source Attitude Can Make Apps Go Viral
Last week I got ripped off, but for the first time, I’m happy about it. They didn’t just steal my wallet and phone—they took something that me and a team of people spent months to create.
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Food Security for 7 Billion
This week, the birth of a baby somewhere took the world population past the 7 billion mark. That’s something to celebrate. Few thought the world could sustain that many people, ever – yet here we are.
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Stemming population growth is a cheap way to limit climate change
There’s no one way to suddenly cut carbon emissions, but better family planning where it’s most needed is a cost-effective start.
Report
Why Population Matters
Why Population Matters, a new publication, explains how population is connected to other development issues such as maternal health, poverty, security and climate change. Continue reading
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Numbers Matter, But People Count
If you haven’t heard by now, the world is adding its seven billionth person on Oct. 31, 2011.
Data & Maps
Mapping Population and Climate Change
Population Action International’s interactive mapping Web site shows how climate change and population dynamics will change the world over … Continue reading
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We’re Counting (on) You
On World Population Day, we can expect statements from people all along the political spectrum.