Day of 8 Billion Shines Light on Sustainable Development Concerns

On November 15, 2022, the global population reached 8 billion people. While reaching this landmark is associated with improved public health, nutrition, and medicine, there remains concern that the growing population exacerbates vulnerability to the climate crisis, and threatens sustainable development.  

Sustainable Development 

The growing population has significant implications for sustainable development that can be defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The United Nations recognizes that the growing population size will impair achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 due to increasing pressure on resources, especially those related to health, education, and gender equality. Population growth is also a recognised cause of desertification: the greatest environmental challenge we currently face. Consequently, desertification threatens livelihoods, ecosystems, and of course sustainable development. 

The Climate Crisis 

It’s often believed that a growing population directly leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). However, according to an article from the Observer Research Foundation, this is not necessarily the case. Countries where population sizes are increasing most rapidly tend to be countries that produce relatively lower GHGs. This reiterates the polluter pays principle, which places greater responsibility on countries that produce more GHGs when tackling the climate crisis. The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) advocates for this to become formally recognised, with plans proposed for higher emitting countries to create a pooled fund for countries on the frontline of the climate crisis. However, COP16 also proposed similar intentions through higher-income countries agreeing to provide $100 billion per year to lower-income countries by 2020 for climate adaptation and mitigation, and this is still to happen. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether those more culpable in causing the human-led climate crisis will lead through their actions. 

The Future 

The population size will continue to grow during a crucial time period for both climate action and sustainable development. Therefore, considering the growing population and polluter pays principle is essential if we are to successfully combat the climate crisis and ensure sustainable development for all.