Shweta Bharti – Class IX A
World Population Day
World Population Day is observed annually on July 11th to raise awareness about the rising global population and the associated issues and challenges. It was suggested by Dr. Zacharia, a demographer at the World Bank. The primary objective of World Population Day is to educate the global population about the consequences of rapid population growth. Many countries celebrate World Population Day through education programs, public awareness campaigns, community events, media coverage, poster-making competitions, etc. This day was established in 1989 by the governing council of the United Nations Development Programme. The population issues addressed include family planning and reproductive health, poverty alleviation, maternal and child health, sustainable development, etc. For over three decades, this day has been commemorated in various ways by participating nations of the United Nations.As a planet, there are abundant challenges we face about our future. Pollution, depleting natural resources, and the climate change crisis are all major difficulties we must try and resolve. However, our biggest challenge still remains the exponentially rising world population. Over the last 150 years, our planet has seen such a population explosion that it has rapidly become one of the biggest crises. To bring focus to this problem of overpopulation, we celebrate World Population Day every year on July 11th, as we know. Overpopulation is leading to very quickly depleting natural resources in the world. Some of these resources, like fossil fuels, are non-renewable and are causing major problems already. Such depletions and scarcity are wreaking havoc on the livelihood and daily lives of people.
Another important aspect of World Population Day is to teach the general public about sustainable development. It is an effective way for us to lessen the threat we face from the population explosion. It ensures that our future generations can also enjoy the same privileges and resources we are able to enjoy at the moment. The UN Population Development, along with the UNDP, closely work with various countries and other agencies to spread the message. They even plan and execute several programs to educate people and help curb global overpopulation. Every country celebrates the day in its own unique method. Students get involved, posters are made, events are held, and hopefully, the message is passed on.
Learning about World Population Day is crucial for school activities because it educates students about global challenges and solutions related to population growth. It helps them understand awareness of global issues, promotion of sustainable practices, critical thinking, and problem-solving, etc. World Population Day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action towards achieving balanced population growth and sustainable development goals. World Population Day encourages individuals to participate in discussions and initiatives that promote responsible population management and sustainable development. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create a balanced world where everyone can thrive in harmony with the planet’s resources.
The theme for World Population Day varies each year but majorly focuses on issues such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. These themes underscore the importance of ensuring universal access to reproductive health services and information, including contraception and family planning education. Population growth plays a crucial role in shaping environmental dynamics and socio-economics. Rapid population growth can strain resources, increase poverty, and increase environmental degradation. Conversely, declining populations in some regions pose challenges related to aging populations and workforce shortages. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies that promote sustainable development and ensure the well-being of present and future generations.
Education, particularly for girls and women, is a key factor in managing population growth. When women are educated and empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, they tend to have smaller families. This trend contributes to improved maternal and child health, reduces poverty, and promotes economic stability. On World Population Day, governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities come together to advocate for policies and programs that support reproductive rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Through advocacy campaigns, community outreach, and educational initiatives, stakeholders work to foster awareness and encourage action towards achieving balanced population growth that respects planetary boundaries and promotes social equity.
In conclusion, World Population Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to address population challenges while striving towards a sustainable future where everyone can thrive in harmony with the environment.
Utkarsh Roy – Class IX A
World Population Day
World Population Day, celebrated on July 11 every year, is done to raise awareness about global population issues and how they affect society. First celebrated by the United Nations, this important event highlights the importance of discussing population-related concerns such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, and sustainable development. This day was first observed in 1989.The idea was inspired by the world population reaching five billion on July 11, 1987, prompting Dr. KC Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, to suggest marking the occasion as World Population Day. By realizing the problems and opportunities presented by population census, World Population Day gives governments, organizations, and individuals to ponder, discuss and take action. Through this observance, the United Nations promotes understanding, collaboration, and innovative solutions to help manage a country’s population.
This year world population day has the theme “Leave no one behind, count everyone”. Dr. Natalia Kanem stated “for humanity to progress people must be counted wherever they are however they are.” World Population Day 2024 is for thinking why some are not being counted – and what impact it has on individuals, societies, and our efforts to keep the population in check. It is also a moment for all of us to help our data systems to count each individual and help to protect one’s rights.
To realize the rights and choices of those who are marginalized in our society even today, we must count them – because everyone counts. Our rich human culture is together with all the people not alone. When data and other systems help the people who are marginalized, they help and work for everyone and a better future. This is how we accelerate progress for all.
We also must take in concern the rapid growth of population. It took hundreds of thousands of years for the world population to grow to 1 billion – then in just 2 or 3 centuries or so, it grew exponentially. In 2011, the global population reached the 7 billion mark, it stands at almost 8.1 billion in 2024(approximate), and it’s expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.
This sudden exponential growth has mostly occurred largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age, and has also been accompanied by significant changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization and increased migration to urban cities. These trends will have great impact on the generations to come.
We must also focus in decreasing population by having only one or two children as the decrease in population will help us in many ways such as increase in the amount of food produced as reduction in population means that there will be reduction of food intake meaning that unlike today where some are unable to obtain food, they will also be able to obtain it. So let’s come together and raise awareness for world population day and let’s make this world better together for everyone.