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We should first abandon this obscure and stereotyped language we use when it comes to the issue of soaring demography. Experts speak of "demographically dynamic countries". But that doesn't mean much. Political leaders for their part are still silent on the topic. That is not very courageous. Yet, overpopulation is a major threat to the survival of our planet. It leads to maximum pressure on food and energy supplies. And energy accounts for two-thirds of total greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of CO2 (Re: IEA). The world's population is growing by more than 89 million people every year (Re: INED). This represents nearly 10 times the current population of Switzerland. The world's population is on track to hit 8 billion in 2023, and almost 10 billion by 2050 (Re: UN). Half the growth in numbers of people will come from 9 countries: India, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the US, Uganda and Indonesia. It is high time to dare to look seriously into the subject. Efficient family planning services and education are key elements to slow population growth. Demography is clearly a politically very sensitive issue. It can only be hoped that international cooperation will enable us to both overcome national egoisms and defend the common interests of the inhabitants of our planet. But doing nothing would be a tragic mistake for the future of our world.

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