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Initial Information on Civitas Population Conference

February 25-26, 2005 (Friday - Saturday)

Civitas 2005 Conference on World Population

At the beginning of the 20^th Century, the world was home to 2 billion people. By 2000, there were nearly 6 billion. If we keep growing at present rates, world population will reach 13 billion in the next 40 years. What does that trend mean for your future and for the rest of the world?

Every one of those billions of people has an environmental “footprint.” That's the area of the Earth each person needs to provide food, water, energy, and other essentials. Logically, the more people on the planet, the larger the total footprint, and the less room there is for other species and natural systems.

Population growth is hard on Earth’s resources. As the world’s population has grown and taken over more land for cities, industries, transportation and recreation, the amount of crop-producing land per person has declined. So have the fresh water and forested areas that provide resources vital to human survival.

And as these resources become scarcer, individuals and nations naturally take action to ensure their own survival. People in more well-developed countries—the “haves”—consume what the “have-nots” view as more than their fair share of resources. Some horde resources, cutting off the supply to other nations or groups of people. Some migrate in search of more resources. Others try to find ways to slow population growth. All too often, people and countries fight over the diminishing resources that they all need.

At Civitas’ Conference on World Population, we’ll talk about the political, social, humanitarian and environmental impacts of these trends. One of the big questions we’ll be asking will be: How can we change the world from one of scarcity and destruction to one of hope and opportunity for everyone? Your role will be to represent a country of your choice, to identify issues, and to work collaboratively with other delegates to develop creative, positive solutions.

The conference will be serious, intense, and intellectually challenging. You’ll use skills in communication, research, collaboration, reasoning, conflict resolution and debate. The conference is a place to learn, to be heard, to meet new people, to work collaboratively, and to add your creative thinking to important discussions with worldwide implications.

Attendance is limited, so sign up early. If you think you might be interested in attending, please fill out a registration form now, and give it to a member of the Civitas staff. We’ll talk about money, [it costs $60, and financial aid is available] schedules, parent consent forms, emergency information and other details after Jan.1, 2005.