Center on Global Change Seminar Series - John Seager, President & CEO, Population Connection presents "A World of 7 Billion: Population, the Environment, and Social Equity"

Rapid population growth impacts all areas of human life and the environment. It intensifies water and food shortages and wreaks havoc on ecosystems through overfishing, deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Because of population growth the natural systems are necessary to our survival are being swiftly and severely disrupted. Rains that replenish lakes and aquifers and water crops are no longer reliable. Trees that once shielded us from flood waters and strong winds are gone, replaced by barren, dusty landscapes incapable of supporting life.Serious social problems are also exacerbated by rapid population growth. It is very difficult, if not impossible, for families to climb out of poverty when couples begin childbearing early and have more children than they can afford to educate. What can we do? This talk will give an overview of root causes, impacts and ways to meet the population challenge, illustrating the intersections between population stabilization, the environment, social equity, and women¿s empowerment. Please see More Information for a detailed abstract and speaker bio. Refreshments provided.