Seven billion humans and counting

“That’s why the Center for Biological Diversity has launched an ambitious new national campaign, “7 Billion and Counting.”

“The world’s human population has doubled since 1970 and shows no signs of letting up. After hitting a harrowing new high of 7 billion on Oct. 31, 2011, it has continued to skyrocket — and will do so for the rest of the century.

“Our planet is in the midst of its sixth mass extinction. Hundreds of plant and animal species are disappearing from our planet every day, never to return. In fact, scientists say species today are going extinct 100 to 1,000 times faster than normal. They’re going extinct because of us — people.

“We’ve already witnessed the devastating effects of overpopulation on biodiversity: Species abundant in North America just two centuries ago — from the woodland bison of West Virginia and Arizona’s Merriam’s elk to the Rocky Mountain grasshopper and Puerto Rico’s Culebra parrot — have been wiped out by growing human numbers.

“In 2010, the Center — working through a network of more than 5,000 volunteers — gave away 350,000 Endangered Species Condoms. The colorfully packaged condoms are a lively way to get conversations started about how overpopulation is crowding out other forms of life — and reducing the quality of our own.

“Through our new 7 Billion and Counting campaign, we’re giving away 100,000 more condoms as a way to keep the conversation going about overpopulation.

“Talking about overpopulation means talking about saving species around the planet, whether it’s polar bears, wolves, bluefin tuna, penguins or the Miami blue butterfly. All of them — and all of us — are counting on you.”