January 14, 2002

 

President George W. Bush

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC  20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

            Human population growth is one of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world. On behalf of Audubon’s one million members and supporters, I am writing to ask you not to rescind the $34 million allocated by Congress to the United Nations Population Fund.

 

            The UNFPA is the world’s premier international family planning provider. The $34 million Congress has appropriated this year to UNFPA received overwhelming and bi-partisan support.  

 

            International family planning empowers couples to make informed decisions to determine the number of children they want, and when they want them.  In turn, stabilizing population growth helps protect the environment by slowing environmental degradation, including the destruction of habitat vital to birds and other wildlife.

 

            Across the globe over one billion teenagers are now entering their reproductive years. This is the largest group of teenagers in history.  The shape of the world for generations to come will be determined by whether or not these young people have access to basic family planning services. 

 

            We appreciated your support for international family planning in last year’s budget request, Mr. President.  We urge you to support this commitment by fully funding UNFPA programs  -- they can make a world of difference for the world’s families and our global environment.

                                                                

 

                                                                Sincerely,

                 Lois J. Schiffer

                 Senior Vice President, Public Policy

 

Cc: James Connaughton, Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality