For Africa (presently 1.3 billion), the forecast is 2.5 billion in 2050, and as many as 4.5 billion in 2100. On the World Population Day (July 11) it was estimated that 214 million women in developing countries want contraceptives but cannot not use them for social and cultural reasons. For West Asia (presently 271 million), the United Nations forecast is 400 million in 2050, and 480 million in 2100. If we exclude China (1.42 billion people, possible decline from 2030) and India (1.34 billion, possible decline after 2062), there is an alarming population increase in West Asia and Africa. Fewer people are familiar with the UN’s forecast for 2100: an increase to 11.2 billion people (the “medium variant” from UN demographers). Many Swedes know that there are 7.6 billion people on Earth. As a primary contributing factor, global population growth is just as relevant as greenhouse gases. But at the same time, media and journalists want to convey information relevant for our society and the environment, such as long-term climate change. The Swedish society typically avoids the issue of population growth – one reason is that it is a slow change that does not appear in the headlines of newspapers. We highlight here one missing goal which is required to fulfil many of the other goals to curb population growth. The goals include, for instance, eliminating global poverty and hunger, and sustainable consumption by 2030. These goals are commendable, and Sweden and other countries have a commitment to live up to them. The United Nations established in 2015 seventeen global targets for Agenda 2030. We urge the Swedish and other governments to act in the UN. The issue is often avoided in the debate – even though it is central. In the discussion about the environment and our future, overpopulation should also be highlighted. For the original Opinion article published in one of Sweden’s largest morning newspaper (Svenska Dagbladet), and for 47 mainly positive comments (in Swedish) click here!
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