IFG Programs: Population

IFG PROGRAMS: POPULATION

DOES POPULATION MATTER? BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP BETWEEN KEY COMMUNITIES ON THE IMPORTANT ISSUE OF ADJUSTING TO GLOBAL CARRYING CAPACITY

Is it necessary for progressive movements to take a more direct and active role in developing socially just mitigations of a global population crisis that may soon approach 8 billion people on a finite planet—can the progressive movement any longer remain passive on this? If not, how shall we organize?

This subject has become a “third rail” issue that most do not want to touch, but the IFG is raising the question: Does Population Matter? A recent convening and report create a space where differing views from North and South (and within the North and the South) can be shared in a safe atmosphere of honest and open dialogue with the intention of creating deeper understanding, and, ideally, effective policy alternatives.

The purpose of this project is two fold: First, to directly address a major gap in the ongoing discussions of many otherwise highly effective international NGO campaigners, and collaborating think-tanks and policy organizations. Most of these groups have been working hard and effectively on issues related to the traumas of economic globalization, climate change, international social justice and equity concerns, the battles against an economic system based on unsustainable never-ending growth, and the overall quest for environmental and social sustainability. However, many of these key international organizations from every continent have not addressed the role and impact of population growth on the issues about which they are most concerned. In some cases this is from lack of good exposure to these matters; in other cases, the groups deliberately avoid the subject, as it tends to be internally controversial within organizations, often divisive within movements, and in any case may divert attention from already over-filled program agendas about which controversies don’t exist.

The International Forum on Globalization is itself among the groups that have failed to become sufficiently involved in population issues, and for many of the reasons indicated. However, we have lately come to realize this is counterproductive at best, and tragic at worst, as the battles we are otherwise focused on, especially with respect to living within the carrying capacities of the Earth, cannot be successfully fought without including this key dimension. So, we have set out to take a leadership role in convening a new debate and engagement, toward eventual inclusion of key points about the population crisis into the mosaic of issues that all must be solved if we are to have a sustainable future for people and nature.

The second aspect of this project is to attempt to get two key groups to talk to each other about these issues: the NGO community indicated above and the scientific community of researchers and experts who have been arguing that population must be more included among front burner concerns in the battle to organize society within the limits of our Earth’s carrying capacity.
Until now, attempts at dialogue on population issues among these communities have usually failed, sometimes amid sharp disagreements and accusations. But we believe that current global circumstances require that we pursue these matters in an atmosphere of open exchange, where all relevant perspectives and opinions are put on the table, and openly discussed in a cooperative atmosphere. These would include as many perspectives and viewpoints from the global south as from the north; as well as from undeveloped countries and indigenous communities, as much as developed rich countries. We will include all issues of equity, women’s rights and education, and the varieties of mitigation proposals currently being discussed, with a mind toward backing only those which are consistent with standards of social justice, rights, and equity.