World Population Day

World Population Day History

World Population Day focuses on raising awareness about global population issues and the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights. Established by the United Nations, this day aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with a growing population, and facilitates discussions on sustainable solutions. Critical aspects of the observance include promoting universal access to reproductive health services, advocating for women's empowerment, and creating policies that enable sustainable development.

Initiated in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme, World Population Day was established as a response to the global population surpassing five billion people. For the American audience, this day has particular importance as the United States is the third most populous country in the world. As such, issues related to population growth, such as urbanization, access to resources, and environmental sustainability directly impact the lives of millions in the United States. The observance of World Population Day also serves as an opportunity to reflect on how American policies and engagement in global development initiatives contribute to addressing population-related matters worldwide.

Schools, non-governmental organizations, and local governments often host events or promote campaigns to generate discussions on the complexities tied to population growth, in addition to showcasing the nation's commitment to addressing these challenges. By acknowledging the significance of this day, the United States aims to further support the international community's efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. World Population Day is observed annually on June 11th.

World Population Day facts

• The theme for World Population Day in 2023 was 8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The case for rights and choices.
  The theme in for World Population Day in 2022 was A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all - harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all.
• The annual growth rate of the world's population peaked at 2.1% in 1962 and since been decreasing. It is estimated that by the year 2100, the population will slow to 0.06% annual growth.
• China and India are by far the most populous countries on the globe. With 1.4 and 1.3 billion inhabitants, respectively, both countries are home to about 37% of the world's people.
• According to the United Nations, India is expected to surpass China and become the world's most populated country by 2024. Its population is projected to reach 1.5 billion in 2030.
• We are in a bottle of overpopulation and wasteful consumption that could push half of Earth's species to extinction in this century - E.O. Wilson, naturalist and biologist

In the News and Trending in the US for World Population Day

Top things to do in the US for World Population Day

• Reduce your carbon footprint to slow global warming and pollution. Walk instead of driving, use energy saving light bulbs, carpool with others, turn down the AC/heat when you are not home, and reuse and recycle paper, bottles, and plastics.
• Spread the word about birth control methods. Over half of the pregnancies every year in the US are unplanned and could have been prevented by birth control methods such as pills, rings, IUDs and condoms.
• Take a shorter shower, turn off the water while brushing your teeth and avoid waste. As the population increases, clean safe water will become even more of a commodity.
• Watch a documentary about population. Some of our favorites, Don't Panic: The Truth About Population, Overpopulated and How Many People Can Live On The Planet.
• Support an organization or charity that works on reproductive health education. Reproductive health education can help slow the AIDS epidemic, support pregnant women worldwide and provide contraceptive methods and education to those who need it most. Some organizations to consider include, the UN World Population Fund, International Planned Parenthood Federation and the World Population Foundation.