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Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is growing 3x faster In 2021, there were an average of 4.6 births per woman, more than in any other region of the world. Canada’s birth rate was 1.3 children per woman in 2022.
The region will continue to be the fastest growing region in the world, with a population expected to increase from 1.2 billion in 2021 to 2.1 billion in 2050.
Sustained and rapid population growth has profound implications for development. exacerbating social, economic and environmental challenges; From food insecurity and gender inequality to environmental degradation.
At the same time, in sub-Saharan Africa, Disproportionate vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation.
It is important that demographics and reproductive health are at the forefront of ongoing environmental discussions.
Demographics and environment
There is Many just and humane ways to slow the pace of rapid population growth while respecting human rights and the need for economic development. Key to this goal is the promotion of reproductive rights, gender equality and education.
Promoting reproductive autonomy by ensuring individuals have the means to choose the timing and frequency of childbirth has significant benefits for climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Individuals are given the means to choose the number, timing, and spacing of their children; they tend to have fewer children.
In the case of the United Nations, sustainable development goals If contraceptive use and education goals are met, the world’s population will increase from its current 8 billion 6.29 billion in 2100.If not, UN Media The prediction of 10.3 billion seems more likely..
However, demographic trajectories are largely ignored or considered fixed by the development and environmental communities, despite their far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability. This eliminates opportunities for innovative change.
Arguments that emphasize the negative effects of global population growth are also often marginalized and perceived as: unfair, alarmist, coercive and racist. At the same time, it is important to remember that high birth rates should not be stigmatized, but should be seen within the lens of broader socio-economic issues.
We live in a demographically divided world. Some regions of the globe are experiencing sustained population growth, while other regions are relatively stable or even declining.
In this context, concerns about population growth may appear to have limited applicability on a global scale, with some expressing alarm at increasing human numbers in conjunction with population declines in other regions. It has become more difficult to do so.
However, this does not mean that rapid population growth cannot cause concern in some areas.
A sub-Saharan perspective
as researcher In the emerging field of global health, I study the connections between reproductive rights, population dynamics, and environmental sustainability.
collaboration with Nkechi S. Owufrom the University of Ghana, we aimed to: Explore stakeholder perceptions about these issues. We were surprised to learn that, despite its unique relevance, the sub-Saharan African perspective had not been separately documented.
Our study included surveys and follow-up interviews with 402 participants from 42 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This result will surprise many observers who doubt that population growth in Africa is a concern.
Although sample size had geographic and gender limitations and further research is needed to further explore this topic, we nevertheless feel that: our findings Provides useful insight into broader public concerns about population growth. The overwhelming majority of respondents perceived population growth as a phenomenon that represents a challenge to environmental sustainability, economic and social goals, and peace and security.
Many participants expressed the view that demographic trends should be incorporated into policies and discussions aimed at improving or maintaining environmental quality. One respondent specifically said:
“Demographics should be at the forefront whenever climate and the environment are discussed.”
A few participants argued that population growth is not the cause of environmental degradation or climate change, but that the Global North’s excessive consumption habits and disproportionate responsibility are to blame.
However, the majority of respondents had a different view. They felt that the disproportionate role of consumption did not preclude recognizing the role of population growth in causing environmental degradation.
For example, a survey participant from South Africa said:
“The cumulative impact of a low per capita footprint of 1 billion people still equates to a large impact. This is not to discount the profound influence of people who matter to the world.”
The overwhelming majority of participants felt that reproductive health and rights should be integrated into environmental sustainability discussions and policies, alongside considerations regarding education and women’s empowerment.
They agreed with the idea that contraceptive and family planning services can have a positive impact on environmental sustainability. They also agreed that integrating family planning as an environmental policy would contribute to accelerating much-needed progress on reproductive rights and sustainability.
It’s time to talk about demographics
This study presents surprising evidence that refutes the common assumption that discussing population trends in developing countries is sensitive.
Our survey found that the majority of people working in sectors related to economic, social and environmental development in sub-Saharan Africa believe that the topic of population growth is important.
Our research also confirms the importance of amplifying the voices of those most exposed to rapid population growth and most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. These people often live in places where access to gender equality and family planning is difficult. serious issues.
Most of our survey respondents are concerned about the negative impacts of population growth on the environment and society, and want demographic, reproductive rights and gender equality considerations to be integrated into environmental discussions and policies. I’m here.
Similar demands to stabilize and gradually reduce the human population by supporting reproductive autonomy and gender equality is published regularly by leading environmental scientists and requires prioritization to achieve the changes needed for sustainability.