“Planet under Pressure” Conference Urges Global Action

In preparation for the UN’s upcoming “Rio plus 20” conference coming in June, nearly 3,000 scientists convened in London late last month for a “Planet under Pressure” Conference.  While the conference focused on climate change, food security, and other global challenges, population was also discussed.  Several presenters suggested that empowering women and expanding access to family planning were needed as part of a larger strategy aimed at reducing humanity’s impact on the environment.  Numerous presenters warned that the time for action on climate change and other issues were running out.  At the conclusion of the conference, the delegates released a declaration that contained the following warning:

Research now demonstrates that the continued functioning of the Earth system as it has supported the well-being of human civilization in recent centuries is at risk. Without urgent action, we could face threats to water, food, biodiversity and other critical resources: these threats risk intensifying economic, ecological and social crises, creating the potential for a humanitarian emergency on a global scale.