“Here’s the book on population we’ve been waiting for–not a nativist screed that lays the blame for our environmental woes on overbreeding others, but a clearheaded and smart look at the ways that justice, anti-materialism, and women’s rights can help limit both our numbers and their impact.”
Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Deep Economy
“This book, with chapters by world-renowned experts, should be recommended reading for national and global leaders who seek to meet the environmental and economic development challenges of the 21st century. It provides a compelling, evidence-based case to support renewed attention to reproductive health and rights as a critical part of the solution to build a better and more sustainable future for all.”
Geeta Rao Gupta, president, International Center for Research on Women
“Finally, a book that maps the complex connections among population growth, climate change, resource depletion, globalization, inequity and overconsumption. No simple-minded solutions are offered in this revelatory work; but an effective formula for reducing population impacts by strengthening women’s rights and opportunities. This book should be mandatory reading not only in academia, but for all public policy advocates seeking sustainable pathways for the future.”
Jerry Mander, Founder and Distinguished Fellow, International Forum on Globalization; author, In the Absence of the Sacred.
“Laurie Mazur has brought respected contributions together to explore the complex linkages between womens’ empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and rights and the vast unmet need for family planning; the implications of the world’s largest ever generation of young people; population dynamics; climate change; environmental degradation and human rights.
The contributors demonstrate the urgent requirement for rapidly increased investment in the undelivered promises of the Cairo agenda in order to create individual health and well-being, healthier sustainable families and communities, and a healthier and more sustainable planet. Through diverse experiences and perspectives they demonstrate the possibility of building a sustainable, more equitable future, not through simplistic solutions to complex problems, but through solutions based on human rights and social justice. People count and numbers matter – and this book is a classic call to action we cannot afford to ignore if we care about the well being of people and future generations.”
Dr. Gill Greer, Director-General, International Planned Parenthood Federation