Burgeoning Population Growth

Food Supply:

A study conducted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization found that the population in 64 out of 105 developing countries has increased faster than the availability of food supplies. In order for a dynamic economy to be successful, there must be slower population growth. Failure to provide basic necessities to people such as food is liable to create social tension and risk the possibility of civil strife and unrest. Nowadays, food security is being viewed by governments as a national security issue.

Water:

Clean and safe drinking water is likewise facing the same tremendous pressure as food supplies. It is a vital resource and a basic necessity. For the same reasons related to food security, the pressures that population growth place on the availability of drinking water should be comprehensively addressed. Some analysts even foresee scenarios in the future that involve countries going to war over access to drinking water.

Biodiversity:

The biological diversity of the earth is vital for maintaining robust agricultural endeavors and medicine, and possibly, even for the maintenance of life itself on earth. Unfortunately, human actions are forcing thousands of animal and plant species into extinction. Of every three species, two are estimated to be experiencing a decline.

The manner in which humans opt to abuse or preserve the environment will likely be a major determinant in whether the standards for human living will rise or fall. Population increases, resource exploitation and urban expansion do not appear to be leading towards a strong and positive future. Unless sustainable development is practiced, humankind must face the consequences of an environment that is deteriorating and may even have to deal with ecological catastrophe.

Sustainable development should likewise factor in population growth as people are the prime consumers of natural resources. Many economists and environmentalists have agreed that slowing population growth is necessary to protect the biodiversity of the environment and improve living standards. A decrease in the population can reduce the impact on the environment and provide sustainable living standards.

Global Climate Change:

The result of burning fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions are ultimately causing warming at the surface of the earth. Should global temperatures increase as they are anticipated, sea levels will additionally rise by as much as several meters, resulting in flooding in many different regions. Worldwide increases in temperature may also create disruptions in agriculture and could also cause drought.

More than 12 million humans die every year as the result of poor sanitation and unclean water, primarily in those nations that are still developing. 3 million more individuals die each year as the result of air pollution. Contaminants such as heavy metals can cause a number of public health issues as well.

Slowing down the growth of the population in developing economies has become a popular approach to improve and preserve natural resources, which in turn would result in improvements in current living standards.

The goal of promoting a decrease in the population growth rate is that countries will have the means to invest in additional employment opportunities, better health care and better educational opportunities for its citizens, among other benefits for the people. All of which could improve the country's living standards, including effective management of resources needed for a dynamic economy. The process of slowing population growth as a means for improved living standards has been associated with a rapid growth and increased economic development in various Asian countries over a 30 year period.

I wish to stress here that we are talking about slowing down or decreasing population growth, not decreasing the population or controlling the population. some sectors are out to create a grim picture with regard to this issue. simply put, decreasing population growth means educating people to make smart, informed choices and providing them the means to make those decisions, particularly for women on whom this will have a significant impact.

There is no coercion or control here, this is about personal rights and empowerment, for people to be able to make informed decisions and choices on matters that will affect their well-being, health and quality of life.

This is what the Reproductive Health Bill is all about here in the Philippines. I would imagine it would be the same issue as well in similarly situated countries. Introduction of a Reproductive Health Bill is one of the means by which we can begin addressing the issues brought about by the impact of rapid population growth. Again, and this cannot be stressed often enough, this isn't simply about managing population growth. At its core,. it is about women's rights, our reproductive health and well-being. This is also about economic issues; poverty and our quality of life.

So enough already of the debates on this bill and on this issue. It is way past the time that this bill gets passed. So let's use some common sense here and consider the greater interest of women and of our country.