While fewer risks and longer lifespans are laudable, the moment is also a clear call to look beyond the numbers and for governments to share the responsibility of protecting people and behavior. chimpanzees – starting with the most vulnerable.
“Unless we close the huge gap between the rich and the poor globally, we are preparing for a world of eight billion people filled with stress and mistrust, crisis and conflict.” warning UN Secretary General António Guterres.
Demographically diverse world
According to UNFPA, as the world’s population continues to grow to about 10.4 billion by the 2080s, the overall growth rate is slowing.
However, the planet is more demographically diverse than ever before, with individual countries and regions facing markedly different population trends in growth and decline.
For example, two-thirds of the global population today live where fertility rates are below 2.1 births per woman, while at the same time, population growth continues to accelerate in the world’s poorest countries. – most of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
“A world of 8 billion is an important milestone for humanity – the result of longer life expectancy, reduced poverty and reduced maternal and child mortality. However, focusing only on the numbers will distract us from the real challenge we face: Securing a world in which progress can be enjoyed equally and sustainably.” UNFPA Director Natalia Kanem said.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.
Whether its population grows or declines, every country must be equipped to provide its citizens with a good quality of life and uplift the most disadvantaged.
“We cannot rely on universal solutions in a world where the average age in Europe is 41, compared with 17 in sub-Saharan Africa,” Ms. Kanem continued.
“For success, all population policy must take reproductive rights at the coreinvest in people and planet, and rely on solid data.”
Complex link
While this day represents a success story for humanity, it also raises concerns about the links between population growth, poverty, climate change and achievement. the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rapid population growth makes it more difficult to eradicate poverty, combat hunger and malnutrition, and increase coverage of health and education systems.
In contrast, meeting the SDGs, especially those related to health, education and gender equality, will contribute to slowing global population growth.
And while slower population growth over several decades can help mitigate environmental degradation, while simultaneously increasing population growth with increased greenhouse gas emissions, it ignores the fact that countries have higher rates of consumption. and the highest emitters are those with slow or even negative population growth.
“We must accelerate our efforts to achieve our goals.” Paris Agreement as well as achieving the SDGs,” said Li Junhua, head of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Meanwhile, much of the world’s population growth is concentrated in the poorest countries, which have significantly lower emissions rates but are likely to be disproportionately exposed to the effects of climate change. .
“We need to rapidly decouple economic activity from our current over-reliance on fossil fuel energy and make more efficient use of those resources, and we need to make the transition. this fair and inclusive approach to support those who are left behind the most. ” added Mr. Li.
A future built on rights
To usher in a world in which all eight billion people can prosper, the United Nations agency has emphasized the need to mitigate global challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. – while prioritizing human rights.
This requires Member States and Donor Governments to increase investment in policies and programs to make the world safer, more sustainable and more inclusive.
UNFPA says by achieving the SDGs, ensuring human rights and leaving no one behind, we can usher in a world where all eight billion people can thrive.
