I write regarding The Telegram editorial “Dire warning,” Nov. 14.
At the COP23 meeting last week in Bonn, Germany, scientists warned that abrupt environmental changes are threatening the security of humankind.
Although this is not something that can be fixed, we still can try to make it less difficult to face these challenges by slowing population growth.
Though paradoxical, many countries have completed or are about to complete the “demographic transition” due to efforts in child survival and basic education. The exceptions are the poorest countries whose populations will continue to grow fast as long as their children are neglected.
Therefore, to stabilize the world population, the poorest countries must receive more aid for the health and education of their children. Sadly, Canadian foreign aid as a percentage of gross national product has fallen from 0.47 per cent in 1985 to only 0.25 per cent in 2017. And worse, a smaller proportion of foreign aid is dedicated to education. Yes, smaller, despite inspiring declarations and an honorary citizenship for Malala Yousafzai.
Next February, the rich countries will announce their contributions to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must double the Canadian contribution to the GPE because education is prevention and this is an emergency.
Pamela Walden-Landry
Montreal
