Population Resources

Here are some Population links we have found interesting and inspirational. Hope you will too.

Organizations Promoting Population Awareness

Population Connection   Educates young people about Population concepts, and advocates progressive action to stabilize world population at a sustainable level. (formerly ZPG)

World Population Balance   website has good presentation of the surprises of exponential growth. They publicize the links between hunger, resources and population through public presentations and conferences, media outreach and appointments with elected officials. David Paxson, president.

Population Institute   is an international non-profit that educates policymakers and the public about population, and seeks to promote universal access to family planning information, education, and services. ...to achieve a world population in balance with a healthy global environment and resource base.

Population Media Center (PMC)   strives to improve the health and well-being of people around the world through the use of entertainment-education strategies.

Global Population Speak Out (GPSO) Every February, an international community of ecologists, scholars and concerned citizens will SPEAK OUT for a sustainable population and a sustainable world. Be part of the change. Visit the G.P.S.O. and Speak Out for our future.

Apply the Brakes   Conservation leaders who love this country and want to pass on our natural environment to future generations. They help individuals communicate with their Representatives about their desire for sustainable population and consumption.

Growth Busters   "We're hooked on a system that depends on growth.... Help the World kick the habit!" They're making an entertaining film. (I don't know if it stars Sigourney)

Population Matters   On a finite planet, nothing physical can grow indefinitely. The more of us there are, the less resources there are for each of us. The wellbeing of future generations depends not only on limiting individual consumption and using natural resources more efficiently but also on stabilising our numbers at a sustainable level. Nicely designed new website 2011.

Population Justice Project   Instigating a new conversation about population and the environment, with a framework based on the values of equality, justice and sustainability.

World Population Awareness (and W.O.A., World Overpopulation Awareness) Many news stories about population from around the world. Also population videos.

The Population Coalition   Grassroots organization to promote awareness.

Promoting Sustainable Population for their State or Country

Planning and Conservation League (PCL) partners with hundreds of California environmental organizations, to provide an effective voice in Sacramento for sound planning and responsible environmental policy at the state level. Programs on Global warming, Land use, Public health and Water policy.

Optimum Population Trust   A leading environmental charity and think tank in the UK concerned with the impact of population growth on the environment.

New England Coalition for Sustainable Population provides leadership and programs to educate the public about population stabilization, environmental conservation, human rights and sustainable economic development.

Vermonters for a Sustainable Population (VSP) informs Vermonters about the negative impacts that population growth has on the environment, economy, and quality of life of future generations, and instigates actions that will result in a sustainable population.

Control Growth   Advocates from around the country discuss ways to control growth and promote sustainability in your hometown.

Sustainable Population Australia   Promotes awareness about Australian population growth.

How many is too many? Australia's people problem   A 2.1% annual growth rate is not helping most citizens, says candidate William Bourke.

Promoting Sustainable Populations Locally

Tripping Up Trump 2010 Donald Trump plans to build 500 luxury homes and a golf resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Some residents whose families have been on the land for generations are to be removed by compulsory purchase. They object vociferously!

Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population   Their 2009 Optimal Sustainable Population Size (OSPS) Project concluded that current "smart growth" policies will eliminate 45% of the county's agricultural open space and 37% of its forests, and will hamper the local environment's ability to sequester carbon, to clean the water and air, and ensure a sustainable community.

Save Our Land, Save Our Towns   This group, led by Tom Hylton, is working to revitalize the downtown regions of Pennsylvania's many small towns and saving the countryside from urban sprawl.

Mountain Voices Alliance A coalition of local groups fighting over-development in the beautiful hills of western North Carolina.

Save Mount Diablo works to preserve Mount Diablo's peaks, surrounding foothills, and watersheds through land acquisition and preservation strategies, in order to protect the mountain's beauty, diversity, and heritage. Programs range from hiking to work on local ballot measures.

Deep Down: a Story from the Heart of Coal Country - Well-made documentary about neighbors' reactions to a coal mine expansion in West Virginia. Deals with the complexities of the economic realities of work, and the difficulties of community organizing.

Greenbelt Alliance S.F.Bay Area group promoting Urban Growth Boundaries. Four regional offices covering Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Clara counties.

Population & Environmental Research Organizations

For a comprehensive listing of university and private research institutions, see this interactive map at - The Association of Population Centers.

Population Reference Bureau is a good source for reliable data about population, both in the U.S. and worldwide. It's a large, well-established group based in Washington, D.C.

The Center for Environment and Population Brings latest scientific research to public policy audience.

The Bixby Center for Population, Health, and Sustainability at U.C.,Berkeley is a collaboration of students, faculty, researchers, and staff working to improve maternal health and address the impact of population on global public health and the environment.

Population Association of America (PAA) - a non-profit, scientific, professional organization that promotes research on population issues. Members include demographers, sociologists, economists, public health professionals, and other individuals interested.

Population Action International uses research & advocacy to assure access to sexual and reproductive health so the environment can be in balance and so fewer people live in poverty.

The Population Council - An international organization which provides solid science to guide governments and individuals in addressing population questions. This includes biomedical, public health, and social science research.

Population Communication - Detailed research reports on population stabilization in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, Senegal, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Egypt, Bihar(India), Uttar Pradesh(India), Nigeria, Pakistan & the Phillippines. (including surveys & projections)

Carolina Population Center a community of scholars and professionals collaborating on interdisciplinary research and methods that advance understanding of population issues. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

RAND Labor and Population Center offers original international research on family life, public opinion, retirement and aging, and family life trends in the Los Angeles area.

United Nations Demographic Manuals Online - 23 manuals and guides from the United Nations Population Division cover areas of demographic estimates, demographic models, population projections, socio-economic indicators, family planning and internal migration.

United Nations Population Division Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Reports and Charts from the U.N. Good research facts and figures.

Worldwatch Institute an independent research organization recognized around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. The Institute's three main program areas include Climate & Energy, Food & Agriculture, and the Green Economy.

Pacific Institute - A nonpartisan research institute for environmental protection, economic development and social equity. Main focus is on Water related issues.

Environmentalism - Beginnings of

The Wolf that Changed America: A documentary film about the beginnings of the conservation movement in the United States in the 1890′s. Ernest Thomson Seton, a bounty hunter had his eyes opened, and his writings became a major force in founding the National Park System for protecting the wild animals and wilderness in this country. And in order that kids could better experience that wilderness, he founded a precursor of the Boy Scouts. Quite a story!

Family Planning Support

The United Nations Family Planning Agency (UNFPA) is delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.UNFPA accelerates progress towards universal access to sexual and reproductive health, including voluntary family planning and safe motherhood.

Friends of UNFPA is a New York based non-profit that advances the global efforts of the U.N. Family Planning agency by mobilizing funds and action for UNFPA’s lifesaving work.

Venture Strategies for Health and Development focuses on projects that will be sustainable on a large scale, and this means the change must be able to continue in the future without dependence on public sector financial support. Includes ways to deliver contraceptive supplies.

Effects: Water Shortages

Effects: Sprawl

Sprawl City Research on urban sprawl and U.S. Population by Roy Beck and Leon Kolankiewicz.

Effects: Carbon Emissions (CO2) & Global Warming

The History of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Earth A clear summary of how it got into the atmosphere, how it has varied over time and how it affects us.

Carbon Dioxide in the Earth's Atmosphere A more detailed analysis of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Environmental Groups for Population Stabilization

The Audubon Society writes "For over 100 years, Audubon has worked to preserve bird and wildlife habitat. We know, however, that no environmental victory is permanent so long as population growth remains unchecked."

Support U.S. Population Stabilization Sierra Club members concerned about population growth.

Center for Biological Diversity "We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive." Work through science, law and creative media. Many links where you can take action. Protect endangered species through effective contraception.

Sierra Club's Global Population and the Environment pages. "... addressing the root causes of environmental degradation - including overconsumption of natural resources, poverty, and population growth - is paramount."  

Bay Area Environmental Education Resource Guide (CA) - Descriptions of about 80 resources to help convey to children a sense of love, respect and responsibility for nature's beauty, power and vulnerability.

Online Mags & cool websites

The Population Elephant a snappy site with some good articles and links to their top 10 population quotes, articles, videos and more!

Worldwatch.org - An excellent website featuring hard news and independently researched articles on worldwide ecology and sustainability

Grist.org - A humorous and hip look at conservation, sustainability and worldwide efforts.

E Magazine - An online and paper magazine on environmental issues.

Environmental News Network - A group of sites providing news and commentary.

Print Publications

The Population Press archive 2000-2011 - Thoughtful articles on population topics and informative counters and games.

The Population Press - Blog & Magazine subscription - Recent articles on population topics. The Newsjournal of People United for a Blue Planet

Must-Read Articles

Reproduction and the Carbon Legacies of Individuals - Paul A. Murtaugh, Michael G. Schlax, at Oregon State University compute that you live in the U.S. you may reduce your carbon dioxide emissions 19 times more by having one fewer child than by all other actions the E.P.A. suggests combined (2009)

The Tragedy of the Commons Garrett Harden wrote perhaps the most important modern essay about understanding the problems caused by overpopulation. It is in each of our best interests to go for "more", but beyond the carrying capacity of the resource, that is detrimental to all.

Reconciling Texas and Berkeley: The Concept of Optimum Population
- Linsey Grant's in-depth article reconciling the metaphorical "Texan" view let me consume all I want, with the metaphorical "Berkeley" view that we must all eat soybeans so that no chipmunk will have his habitat disturbed. Neither side takes the 4 way relationship between population size, consumption, environmental damage, and human freedom into consideration.

How and Why Journalists Avoid the Population-Environment Connection - T. Michael Maher's research study on the lack of US media mention of population growth, even in articles about urban sprawl, water shortages and species extinction.

Skirting the Population Issue: Why Journalists need to tackle Growth - Timothy Wheeler'scomments on Michael Maher's study (listed above).

How Many People Should the Earth Support? - Ross McCluney's thought-provoking argument, incorporates interesting estimates of Maximum Global Population based on lifestyle affluence.

The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race. - Jared Diamond's careful analysis of the costs and benefits of switching from hunter-gather economy to agricultural economy. In many ways the hunter-gatherers were better off and didn't switch until population pressure forced them to.

The Economic Value of Open Space - Research from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy collects and discusses a broad spectrum of economic research.

The Right Amount by Alan AtKisson
- Consumption, Consumerism and that magic word "enough". A thoughtful plea for the concept of "exactly the right amount", whether it is chocolate cake or carbon emissions. Individual differences are allowed!

Excerpts from "Going to Extremes" - An excellent discussion of the popular impact of the work of Ehrlich and Simon, along with caveats for evaluating social research on population issues.

How Many is Too Many? by Charles C. Mann. The Atlantic online
- Good leisurely article on the history of varied opinions about Population and the Environment. Quite balanced, and interesting as a glimpse of opinion in 1993.

Population "control" at Wikipedia
- Some fascinating information about how population size has been viewed in the past 2500 years (back to Confucius) Somewhat spotty coverage of contemporary viewpoints.

Sustainability

Global Footprint Network Our ecological footprint measures how much resources we use. The goal is that all people can live well, within the means of one planet.

Minnesotans for Sustainability   "Sustainable Society: A society that balances the environment, other life forms, and human interactions over an indefinite time period."
Their readings on population.

Ecofuture.org - Readings on population and sustainability."people can meet all their real needs while still preserving the health and beauty of this planet for future generations.   But this possibility ... requires changes in the numbers of people on this planet and changes in the way we live."

The Story of Stuff - Bottled Water - How "manufactured demand" sells stuff we don't need and destroys what we need most. With Annie Leonard..

Carrying Capacity Network - Advocacy group lobbying for population sustainability in the US.

Sustainable Measures - Organization develops indicators of economic stability.

The Natural Step - A Swedish non-profit that helps companies and communities move towards sustainability. No position on population growth, which translates as accommodation.

Religion and Ecology

Restoring Eden - Ways to practice environmental stewardship. The Earth is the Lord's creation and we are responsible to care for it.

Green Faith - Interfaith partners for the Environment. Inspiring, educating and mobilizing a growing number of diverse faith-based groups that are offering environmental leadership on issues ranging from renewable energy to environmental justice and reconnecting with the Earth

Economics

Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE) Perpetual economic growth is neither possible nor desirable. Growth, especially in wealthy nations, is already causing more problems than it solves. Herman Daly is on the Board.

Degrowth - Research & Degrowth, (R&D) is an academic association dedicated to research, training, awareness raising and events organization around degrowth. Several yearly conferences around sustainability, carrying capacity, ecological economics & limits to growth.

New Economics Institute - We uniquely combine vision, theory, action, and communication to effect a transition to a new economy—an economy that gives priority to supporting human well-being and Earth’s natural systems. Formerly named the E. F. Schumacher Society ("Small is Beautiful"), they work closely with the next group..

new economics foundation (nef) - A British based group that inspires and demonstrates economic real wealth, social justice, and sustainability. Real wealth means well-being.

Natural Capital Project - is developing the InVEST tools for quantifying the values of natural capital in clear, credible, and practical ways. Practical ways to measure the return (of societal benefits) on investments in nature. Project of Stanford, WWF, the Nature Conservancy and U.Minnesota Institute of Environment.

Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) North America's fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses, comprised of over 80 community networks in 30 U.S. states

Earth Policy Institute - Led by Lester Brown, well-known economist and author of "Plan B" and "Full Planet, Empty Plates", this organization envisions and tracks the development of an environmentally sustainable economy worldwide.

Economics in the Bible The Bible is not exactly the paean to capitalistic growth that some so-called "Conservatives" seem to assume. For one, loaning money for interest was called the sin of usery and was illegal in Christian countries for many hundreds of years.

Economics: GDP Alternatives

Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)- A project of US group Redefining Progress, the GPI weaves together indicators of economic, environmental and social wellbeing.

Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) UK-based Friends of the Earth has created an index of similar indicators. This site walks you through each factor and lets you pick and choose among indicators to create your own index.

Gross National Happiness - Bhutan has translated its national culture into development priorities. The international movement is called the Gross International Happiness index.

Our Worrisome MDP Robert Reich's discussion of GDP vs Median Household Income.

Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy - The National Campaign seeks to improve the well-being of children, youth, families, and the nation by preventing unplanned and teen pregnancy.

Stayteen.org - More than 2,000 teen girls in the United States get pregnant every day. This entertaining site helps inform teens about what's what.

Anti-Pop Control Sites

Catholic Educator's Resources Center offers a Catholic perspective on a variety of population issues.

Population Resource Institute Makes fun of graphics on population websites, little actual science.

Support for not having kids of your own

The "GINK" Chronicles - the latest demographic trend: "Green Inclinations, No Kids"- Lisa Hymas' award winning blog about people who are helping our environment in many unusual and creative ways.

No Kidding - an International Social Club for Childfree couples and singles. They provide links to local chapters.

South Bay Childfree Club - is a social club for childfree couples and singles. We are people who have made a conscious decision to not have kids, for a variety of reasons

Fun Stuff

How much water to grow a hamburger?

Endangered Species Condoms? 6 colorful package designs with mottos like "cover your tweedle, save the Burying Beetle"

What's your Ecological Footprint?

Per Square Mile - What if the world's population lived like ... Paris, San Francisco, London, New York? One graphics show the area just to fit the world's people at the density of several well-known cities. Next graphics shows how much area it would take if all the world's people lived like residents of different countries: from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. (global footprint)

The Science of Happiness Darwin did not write about survival of the fittest, but about survival of the best cooperators. This video is from a U.C.Berkeley program that teaches happiness.

Voluntary Human Extinction Movement? A bit on the sardonic side but... "[Others have] had the idea that the planet would be better off without this busy horde. ... the middle-eastern god, Yahweh/Jehovah/Allah. Tradition tells how, in prehistoric times, this creator-god realized his mistake in making humans and was going to flush us from the system, but in a weak moment he spared one breeding family. Oops! (Genesis 6: 1-22)."

How Humans Run the Earth High-impact graphic presentation of population growth, poverty, sanitation, urbanization, the best cities, birth control use, species extinction. "Every 20 minutes the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses one or more entire species of animal or plant life".

Affluenza Quiz

How Rich are You?

Rapture Index "The prophetic speedometer of end-time activity."

Immigration

Alliance for a Sustainable USA (AS-USA) Why we must address U.S. population growth.
Multi-ethnic community leaders supporting immigration reform.

U.S. Population Data

U.S.Census Bureau 2010 census interractive map information and 100 year history of each state.

U.S.Census Bureau estimate U.S.Population in 2050: High- 540 million; Medium- 400 million; Low: 290 million.

Population Resource Center Provides demographic data to makers of public policy. Fun holiday fact sheets!

World Population Data

Population Resource Bureau - Handy Data Finder gives you exact figures on variety of population and economic indicators worldwide.

World Contraceptive Use - U.N.country data as of December 2010 on contraceptive prevalence for 193 countries or areas of the world and unmet need for family planning for 107 countries or areas of the world

UN Population Council - Issues worldwide population projections.

Population Clocks

Find Population on date of your birth (or other day)

From year 1 to 2050: Click Here

Ticking clocks of births and death current estimate

Interactive: Human Numbers Through Time Interactive map shows path of human population growth since 0 A.D.

Sexual Health Research

Guttmacher Institute promotes sexual and reproductive health worldwide through research, policy analysis and public education. Studies of the high effectiveness of family planning on reducing infant and maternal deaths.

Ibis Reproductive Health conducts and disseminates original research and promotes policies that support sexual and reproductive rights and health. This link is to their page of interesting studies of contraception policies and use.

Planned Parenthood

FAQ's about Population

Population: A Reality Good general discussion of population concerns.

Human Population Growth Biologist's excellent explanation of population concerns.