Reproductive Health Nightmare for Venezuelan Women
A shocking front page story in the February 21, 2021 edition of The New York Times, “Venezuelan Women Lose Access to Contraception, and Control of Their Lives” documents the devastating situation facing women in Venezuela. According to that report, “Millions of women are no longer able to find or afford birth control, pushing many into […]
A Scientist’s Silly Musings on the Serious Subject of Population Growth
Deep knowledge and professional acumen in one area does not confer expertise in all subjects. The false alarm sounded about ostensible population decline in a recent Irish Times commentary entitled Reducing World Population May Be a Bad Idea by Dr. William Reville, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Ireland’s University College Cork, is an excruciating case […]
Global Gag Rule Gone for Now; Congress Must End It for Good
Like literally millions (and probably billions) of people around the world, I breathed an enormous sigh of relief at the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The perpetual nightmare that was Donald Trump’s administration is over—and may we never see its like again. But much of the harm wrought by his malevolent […]
21 Reasons We Need Population Stabilization in 2021
2020—the most abysmal year in recent memory—has finally come to an end. Now that we’re onto a new year with a new presidential administration, a new Congress, and a new COVID-19 vaccine, we can set our sights on brighter days (although this week’s sedition attempt was certainly a rough start to what was meant to […]
Supreme Court Sides With Trump Administration on Ending Census Count Early
Our nation counts people because, in a democracy, people count. Everyone must matter for the system to work. The United States Census is a critical tool for determining political representation and funding at the federal, state, and municipal levels. An accurate count of the American population every 10 years allows adjustments to be made to […]
Where Is the Justice in Our Justice System?
The tragic murder of Breonna Taylor illuminates the gravest flaws in our law enforcement system. Black people and other people of color are victimized every single day by systemic racism, which is rooted in the white supremacy that has plagued our nation since its very founding. The system as it exists is guilty of failing […]
Statement Expressing Outrage About Reported Mass Hysterectomies Forced on ICE Detainees
The whistle-blower reports about mass hysterectomies from a Georgia immigration detention camp under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) appear to be the latest heinous example of Gestapo tactics employed by the Trump administration. There is a long, dark, ugly history during and long before this administration, in the name […]
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Commemorated every year since August 9, 1995, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrates the 476 million Indigenous people living across 90 countries. The people of these 5,000 unique cultures make up less than 5% of the world’s population, but they account for 15% of the world’s poorest people on earth. (UN) COVID-19 is […]
Population Is a Hidden Factor in the News
A recent University of Washington study indicated that world population may peak sooner than most forecasts project, and at a lower level. Of course, all projections are suspect, including this one. The report triggered the usual round of comments from some quarters that population growth is an issue of the past. What rubbish! To understand […]
Sustainable Swaps That Sometimes Save Money
Sometimes the fight against climate change can feel overwhelming. The huge corporations that refuse to adapt can feel untouchable, and policy changes are happening too slowly. One small way to exert some control is to make everyday lifestyle changes that contribute to a more sustainable future. For me, making small changes in my home helped […]