Issue July 23, 2008
Dear Reader, July marks the annual World Population Day. With the world's population expected to grow to over nine billion by 2050, we ask whether our planet can deal with more people. As the global population grows, Germany is seeing the inverse trend. The country is aging and shrinking. Our demographic profile examines why this is the case and what Germany is doing to turn the tide. Demographer Carl Haub compares the surprisingly different population forecasts in the U.S. and Europe. And Allianz expert Harry Jentson looks at the future of health care in Germany. Enjoy reading our newsletter, and don’t miss next month’s issue on how to adapt to a changing climate. Your Allianz Knowledge Team PS: If you like the Allianz Knowledge Newsletter and our idea of sharing knowledge, why not share it with others?	Poll: Newsletter Topic Choose a topic for the September newsletter. (ends August 18, 2008) > Climate&Mobility > Wind power > Urbanization > Migration > view results Most Recent Media Picture Gallery Demographic Solutions: Lifelong Learning > more Interview of the Month Population Reference Bureau on European and U.S. Demographics "The high birthrate of the U.S. hides a very important point - immigration." > more Allianz Expert Harry Jentson on Nursing Insurance "It is so unpleasant to image oneself frail and dependent that most people simply avoid the topic." > more
Top Story Population Growth: Are We Too Many? By 2050, the world’s population will have grown by another 3.5 billion, the same number as lived on the entire planet in 1950. Can a depleted planet support population growth? We look at both sides of the debate. > more News Building on Climate Change Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, has announced plans to build a new, billion-dollar public hospital well above sea level to protect it from the effects of climate change. Placed a few meters above the waterfront, the building will be able to withstand storm surges and a rising sea level. News to Use A Thin Line Between Life and Death A worrying trend is taking shape in the industrialized world: fewer young people are using condoms. Relying on new anti-HIV drugs, the fear of getting HIV/AIDS has declined. Don’t risk your life. A condom fits in your pocket, and a few millimeters of latex can prevent unwanted pregnancies, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms also cost less than a doctor's visit...or a baby. > more Editor's Choice Demographic Profile Germany: United in Decline Demographic trends in the Germany’s formerly divided eastern and western states differ greatly. One thing, however, is common both in the east and west – a shrinking population. > more Calendar August 17 | World Water Week World Water Week 2008, the world’s leading annual meeting on water and development, will be held in Stockholm, Sweden, from August 17 to 23. Experts from the government, non-profit, business, and science sectors will come together to discuss water-related topics like supply, sanitation, resource management, climate, and transboundary conflicts. > more August 21 | International Sustainability Conference In Basel, Switzerland, the Internation Sustainability Conference 2008 provides a meeting point for individuals from the political, corporate, and academic world. Various sessions will look at adaptation to global warming, sustainable ways of consumption, and long-term management strategies for sustainable business. > more
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