What YOU Can Do About Climate Change

Ideas in this blog are based on DRAWDOWN - a comprehensive plan to reverse global warming - edited by Paul Hawken.  Buy a copy, or request a copy from your local library - it is a very important book.

Go to last week's post on sadjascolumns.blogspot.com to review the ideas on food and food waste:
*eat less meat
*plant your own garden
*reduce food waste
*consult the Monterey Bay Aquarium for wise fish choices if you want fish.

This week's topic is family planning.  Millions of women in low income countries say they want to be able to plan their pregnancies, but lack access to contraception.  Even in the U.S. 45% of pregnancies are unintended.  Finding a clinic for contraception and abortion has become harder under the Trump administration. Lack of supplies of affordable contraception, education about sex and reproduction, social and religious opposition to birth control, partner opposition all play a role.  However, there are success stories.  Iran and Bangladesh brought birthrates down to replacement - with female health workers providing basic care.  Family planning requires social reinforcement.  The United Nations has a goal of there being 9.7 billion people on earth by 2050.  (Currently there are 7.53 billion.)  If we do not achieve the goal of 9.7 billion there will be 1 billion more than that at current growth rates.  This will mean a world with more energy use, building space, food and water needs, waste and transportation problems.  This will be very bad for climate change.

It is important to support Planned Parenthood and other clinics that provide access to contraception and abortion.  Even if you are opposed to abortion, the provision of effective long term methods of contraception is essential to reduce suffering.  Call Northern California Planned Parenthood at 855 - 787-7723.  In other areas, look up your local family planning clinic/Planned Parenthood.
Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH