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Press release 23 September 2003 CALL FOR CLEAR POPULATION STABILISATION POLICIES IN PARTY MANIFESTOSSeminar: Population pressures: the need for sustainable populations23 September 2003, Oxford The Optimum Population Trust, at a seminar held with the Green College Centre for Environmental Policy and Understanding on 23 September 2003, will call for all political parties to incorporate clear population stabilisation and reduction policies in their manifestos for the next General Election. In March 1973 the Population Panel appointed by the Lord President of the Council in 1971 made the following statements in its Report to Parliament: “We have found no overwhelming arguments in favour of continuing population growth.” “Public opinion now demands and the facts of the population situation require that the Government define its attitude to questions concerning the level and rate of increase of population. This implies that it should indicate the extent to which population issues influence its policies and its choice of priorities.” “Population affairs must become a Ministerial responsibility.” The Optimum Population Trust (OPT) will state its willingness to act as an independent Population Panel in helping policymakers to understand the case for a gradual reduction in UK population. “We have waited for 30 years for action,” says OPT. “If the current (2001) rate of increase continues UK population will reach 71 million by 2050. OPT’s alternative population policy could achieve a reduction to 52.5 million by 2050. The difference between a population of 52.5 and 71 million could mean, in stark and simple terms, an extra 10 million vehicles on the roads or 31 million extra tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, even at the current annual emissions reduction rate of about 1%*.” Notes for editors: *Carbon dioxide emissions expressed as carbon. The Optimum Population Trust is an environmental organisation whose concern is with the impact of population growth on the environment, both internationally and nationally. OPT’s position is based primarily on climate change, energy requirements, impacts on biodiversity and other environmental factors. With world population increasing by 79 million a year, OPT believes that every country should debate its population policy. For the UK we recommend a stabilisation and gradual reduction in UK population from today’s 59 million, over five or six generations, with an initial aim of reaching 30 million before 2130. This can be achieved, given current sub-replacement fertility and life expectancy assumptions, without coercion on family size. See OPT Population Projection A on this website. Enquiries:Professor John Guillebaud or Rosamund McDougall, Co-Chairs, Optimum Population Trust Tel: 07976-370 221 Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO, Director, Green College Centre for Environmental Policy and Understanding Tel: 01865-281 217 | |||||
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