The population of the world, which now stands at 6.1 billion, is expected to touch the 9.3 billion mark by 2050. A United Nations Population Fund's state of world population 2001 report explores the relation between population and environment and underlines steps of poverty reduction and women's empowerment

The population of the world, which now stands at 6.1 billion, is expected to touch the 9.3 billion mark by 2050. By that time, 4.2 billion people will be living in countries that cannot meet people's daily basic needs. Some 2 billion people lack food security, access to water supplies and agricultural land. Water pollution kills 12 million people annually; 3 million people die from inhaling polluted air every year.

A United Nations Population Fund's State of World Population 2001 report raises the question as to whether human activities in the 20th century has brought civilisation on a collision course with the environment. If so, what can be done about it? The report explores links between the environment and population and charts steps to alleviate poverty in developing countries.

It also states that incorporating women into the decision-making process and ensuring their reproductive rights is crucial for the well-being of the natural world.

http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2001/english/ch01.html

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