Family planning essential to curb world population

To the editor:

Human population growth is the most pressing environmental problem facing the world, and voluntary family planning is the most effective answer. The United States joined 179 countries at a 1994 population conference in Cairo to pledge support for international family planning efforts, but the Bush administration has indicated it will not reaffirm the commitment this year.

Population expansion over the last 50 years has exacerbated many environmental problems, including air and water pollution, loss of wildlife, fisheries depletion and climate change. At current birth rates, world population will double to 12 billion in the next 55 years.

Many experts agree that no single investment in human health, environmental protection or economic and political stability can ever match investments made in international family planning.

With the 10th anniversary of the Cairo agreement approaching, please urge President Bush to make the connection between the environment and population development by reaffirming our international commitment to family planning and to the conference in Cairo.

JAMES E. MOORE

Marble Hill, Mo.