For Immediate Release:	December 14, 2009
For More Information:	Michael Khoo, Population Action International, mkhoo@popact.org, (202) 669-7911
Sponsor Organization:	Population Action International
Climate change’s effects already felt by world’s most vulnerable
(Washington, D.C.) Climate change impacts, demographic trends and reproductive health needs are likely to affect countries’ abilities to adapt to climate change, demonstrates a new world map from Population Action International (PAI). The map highlights the potential impacts of climate change on people and the environment, projected population changes in the short- and long-term, and why responses to climate change should include family planning and reproductive health. “The map shows that high rates of population growth are likely to intersect with negative consequences of climate change in many countries,” said Kathleen Mogelgaard, PAI’s Senior Program Manager for Population and Climate Change. “Poor and vulnerable populations around the world, those who have contributed the least to climate change, are already suffering its effects.” Shifting temperature and precipitation patterns, changes in soil moisture, and extreme weather events are likely to have serious consequences for agricultural production, water supply, and human health. The map, Mapping Population and Climate Change (http://www.populationaction.org/Publications/Interactive_Databases/climate_map.shtml), illustrates how population growth is likely to compound the impacts of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable people. In most of the countries rated least resilient to climate change, the need for family planning and reproductive health services still outstrips availability. “The world needs to take action now to address climate change, and world leaders need to craft an agreement that is fair, ambitious and binding,” commented Kathleen. “Fulfilling the global demand for contraception will improve the lives of women and communities, while reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts.” PAI will be in Copenhagen from December 12-18th with Negash Teklu, Executive Director of Ethiopia's Consortium for Integration of Population, Health, and Environment, along with the Population and Climate Change Alliance (PCCA). Joining PAI as part of the PCCA are the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Marie Stopes International, Population and Sustainability Network, and Sex and Samfund. Experts will be available to meet with reporters both here in the U.S. and in Copenhagen. PAI released a report in May 2009 on how recent population trends matter to climate change. For more resources linking population and climate change, visit PAI’s Copenhagen Web site.