Talking about population growth is taboo. The world is expected to reach at least 9 billion people by the middle of the century and scientists say we’re pushing the ecosystem into a state where it can no longer support civilization, but politicians don’t talk about it. Neither do environmentalists. Human domination of Earth is so extreme that many researchers use the term "Anthropocene" to describe the new geological epoch in which we live.
Breathing, eating and consuming, an individual human being produces tons of carbon every year – population may be the key to curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Populations are expected to skyrocket in developing areas like sub-saharan Africa, generating even more carbon pollution. Reducing population growth could also help fight climate change, but in the wake of India’s forced sterilizations in the 1970s and China's mandatory one-child policy, nationwide family planning has a stigma.
Can population control be part of the climate conversation, or would it create toxic brew of two radioactive political issues? Join us for a conversation about creating a climate of change around global overpopulation.
Climate One Connect
Audience members are invited to engage in breakout group conversations led by the speakers for 20 minutes following the program. We hope you’ll take part in this unique opportunity to delve deeper into solutions for sustainable living!
Alan Weisman, Senior Radio Producer, Homelands Productions; Author, Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?
Malcolm Potts, Fred H. Bixby Endowed Chair in Population and Family Planning, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley
Date: Tuesday, February 25
Location: The Commonwealth Club, SF Club Office, 595 Market Street, Second Floor, San Francisco
Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. networking reception
Cost: $20 non-member, $12 members, $7 students
Also know: The speakers and audience will be videotaped for future broadcast on the Climate One TV show on KRCB TV 22 on Comcast and DirecTV.
Photo by: Roberto Neumiller