WORLD POPULATION DAY
World Population Day on July 11th focuses on balancing a healthy human race and planet.
The pace of population growth places reproductive rights and gender equality at the forefront of sustainability concerns. As the population grows, the demand for resources increases as well. While areas of the world enjoy open spaces and room to move, others are overcrowded.
In 1987, estimates reached 5 billion humans for the world’s population. By 2100, the population is estimated to be 11.5 billion. The growing population places stress on economies as well as infrastructure. Issues that were once minor become climatic, too. Other areas of concern include healthcare, housing, education, logistics, and nutrition.
While local communities address some concerns, nations join forces to address others on a global scale. The day provides a platform for goals and a way to strive to meet those goals.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPopulationDay
Organizations around the world host events and seminars concerning the world’s population. Explore these events while taking a moment to consider our place in the world. How do we impact our community and what role do we play? As an individual, out of several billion people on earth, have you used your resources well? Watch a documentary or read about population growth:
- Earth: Population Overload (2018) directed by Philip Gardiner
- 8 Billion Angels directed by Victor Velle
- How the World Survived the Population Bomb: Lessons From 50 Years of Extraordinary Demographic History by David Lam
- Empty Planet by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson
Learn more about the effects of population growth and the issues being raised. Visit www.un.org to find out more.
WORLD POPULATION DAY HISTORY
In 1987, the Day of Five Billion recognized the global population of the world. It caught the attention of the United Nations and in 1989 they established the United Nations Development Programme. In 1994, during the International Conference on Population and Development, governments and UN agencies set forth goals.
- Providing universal education
- Reduce infant and child mortality
- Reduce maternal mortality
- Provide greater access to health and reproductive services
