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