In 2022, the world's population surpassed 8 billion people, and according to UN demographers, global population may add another 2.4 billion before leveling off toward the end of this century. While global population growth continues, the diversity of demographic trends around the world has never been greater. While countries like Nigeria are forecasting a doubling of their populations, over 30 countries–including China–are shrinking. These trends have important implications for economic growth, health and well-being, and the ways in which we plan for and respond to global challenges such as climate change. In this presentation, Kathleen Mogelgaard of the Population Institute will provide an overview of these demographic trends, and share findings from the Institute’s recent report, “Population and Climate Change Vulnerability: Understanding Current Trends to Enhance Rights and Resilience.”
Kathleen Mogelgaard is President and CEO of the Population Institute, where she directs the organization’s advocacy and public education activities. Kathleen is passionate about promoting deeper understanding of linkages among issues that are critical for sustainable development, including population dynamics, reproductive rights, gender, climate change, and food security. Prior to taking the leadership helm the Population Institute, Kathleen was Principal of KAM Consulting, where she worked with clients in Washington and globally in policy analysis, research, and advocacy. Her career includes roles at Population Action International, Oxfam America, National Audubon Society, the University of Maryland, and the Population Reference Bureau, where she provided research support and technical assistance for conservation and development projects in Africa and Asia. Kathleen has participated as an observer in negotiations on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, where she represented the World Resources Institute in advocating for effective adaptation planning. She was the lead researcher and writer of “Unfinished Business: The Pursuit of Rights and Choices for All,” the United Nations Population Fund’s 2019 State of World Population Report. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, The Hill, FairPlanet, New Security Beat, and Grist. She holds masters degrees in public policy and natural resources from the University of Michigan.