Human population, social justice, and climate policy

We illustrate how human population has been mostly ignored with regard to climate policy by conducting a systematic review of the literature in the context of social justice and six transformative steps for climate change mitigation. Despite this, implementing socially just population policies could make substantial contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation while also promoting social justice and gender equity. We detail how this is possible using a number of policy examples, including increasing the availability of voluntary family planning services and improving education for girls and young women.

Automated summary

This study highlights that human population is often overlooked in climate policy, but implementing socially just population policies can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as promote social justice and gender equity. Measures like increasing access to voluntary family planning services and improving education for girls and young women can play a crucial role in achieving these goals.