Many countries could avoid environmental crises if they took steps now to conserve and manage supplies and demand better, while slowing population growth by providing families and individuals with information and services needed to make informed choices about reproductive health. Family planning programs play a key role. If every country made a commitment to population stabilization and resource conservation, the world would be better able to meet the challenges of sustainable development. Practicing sustainable development requires a combination of wise public investment, effective natural resource management, cleaner agricultural and industrial technologies, less pollution, and slower population growth. Better resource management protects the environment and preserves nature's productive capacity.
Stronger economies can afford to invest more in protecting the environment.
Slower population growth can speed economic growth and conserve natural resources.