The Pressure of Population on Natural Resources

Number: 2012-02

WHEREAS, on October 31, 2011, the United Nations reported the human population on Earth passed seven billion; and

WHEREAS, high population puts high demands on energy resources and contributes to climate change; the International Energy Agency projects total energy use will increase 35% in the next two decades; and

WHEREAS, high population and high per capita consumption put unsustainable demand on all natural resources and contribute to environmental degradation; and

WHEREAS, high population drives conversion of undeveloped lands, and increases the potential for large scale shortages and conflict over food and water; and

WHEREAS, high population significantly increases water use for agriculture, households and manufacturing, thereby degrading water quality and reducing water availability in rivers, lakes and wetlands for wildlife; and

WHEREAS, the 1994 internationally-agreed Cairo Programme of Action’s funding pledges have not been met and the Programme has not been effectively implemented;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that National Wildlife Federation at its 76th Annual Meeting assembled May 18-20, 2012, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, reaffirms National Wildlife Federation’s previous resolutions in support of implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action and calls on the United States to meet its financial commitment to the Programme.