I am 1 in 7 (billion)!
April 26, 2012
The world population reached 7 billion sometime last year but is predicted to be 9 billion by 2050. 80 million new babies are born every year. Many people believe that this rise in population, particularly in the developing world, must be addressed if we are to reduce carbon emissions, feed everyone and stop the extinction of species like the tiger.
Tackling this issue is not just about making available contraception in developing countries, environmentally we must play our part as well by reducing consumption in order to protect natural resources and wildlife.
The Royal Society propose changing the way countries report GDP with a new measurement that incorporates ‘natural capital’ in order to incentivise Governments to protect the environment by encouraging green growth.
If we do nothing, according to Sir John Sulston of the Royal Society we run the risk of drifting: “….into a downward vortex of economic, socio-political and environmental ills, leading to a more unequal and inhospitable future.”
Read the article in full here.
Cheery thought for a rainy day in April!
Picture courtesy of Dr Satish Kumar, Queens University, Belfast, December 2011.
Tracey Daley
You might also be interested in...
Van Walt Guidelines for sampling for PFAS in Groundwater
November 13, 2024We need to make clear, that at the time of writing, there are no ISO or EN standards which deal with the sampling of groundwater for PFAS.
Read MoreSpot measurement v. continuous environmental monitoring
August 25, 2023Environmental monitoring has developed considerably over the years. From the time when a consultant went out monthly or quarterly with a dip tape to monitor the groundwater level in a borehole, wind forward...
Read MoreMeasuring Nitrates (NO3, NO3-N) in the field
June 20, 2023The interest in Nitrates is nothing new. One way or another we have been measuring them for half a century.
Read MoreVan Walt Environmental Equipment
A small selection of our environmental equipment