Season 1
Episode 1 Introducing “The Population Factor”
A wide-ranging conversation with an environmentalist legend, Paul Ehrlich, touching on the history of the IPAT equation along with the history of population concerns and overpopulation denialism.
Episode 2 Population and climate change
Climate change is the leading environmental challenge facing humanity today. How do human numbers impact climate change and what role can curbing population growth play in meeting this challenge? With Jane O’Sullivan, Senior Research Associate, University of Queensland and Kathleen Mogelgaard, Senior Fellow at the Population Institute.
3. Population growth and the UN’s sustainable development goals
Creating a better world, with security and opportunity for all, cannot occur in a context of continued rapid population growth. With ten years left to achieve them, the international community must break its silence and tackle population growth if the United Nations’ SDGs are going to be realized. With Florence Blondel, Environmental and global justice campaigner and Olivia Nater, Senior campaigner, Population Matters.
Episode 4. Are we overpopulated right now?
Population concerns are often dismissed because the rate of global population growth is decreasing. But is our current global population ecologically sustainable? The evidence suggests it may not be. With Karin Kuhlemann, population ethicist, University College London and João Abegão, PhD Candidate in Climate Change and Policies for Sustainable Development, University of Lisbon.
Although many environmental trends are grim, there exist clear paths forward toward a more sustainable world—if we are willing to address human numbers. Solutions to curb population growth exist, grounded in respect for human rights and acceptance of demographic responsibilities. This inspiring message can rekindle hope in an environmental movement that desperately needs it. With William Ryerson, President, Population Media Center and Karen Hardee, Principle of Hardee Associates.
Episode 6. An Environmental Impact Statement on US Immigration Policy
What impact does immigration policy have on greenhouse gas emissions, habitat preservation, sprawl, or water and air pollution? Join Leon Kolankiewicz and me, the authors of a recent environmental impact statement on US immigration policy, and find out. With Leon Kolankiewicz, science advisor at NumbersUSA.
Episode 7. Rewilding: new opportunities to share the landscape with other species
Declining human populations are often presented negatively in the press and by politicians. But they open up space for ecological restoration on the landscape. This episode discusses how fewer people can translate into more wild nature, and recent “rewilding” efforts in North and South America. With Tom Butler of the Northeastern Wilderness Conservancy, formerly with Tompkins Conservation.
