Population and the environment
a complex coexistence

11th November 2024 – the first event on demography

The conference entitled “Popolazione e ambiente. Una complessa convivenza” (Population and the environment. A complex coexistence) was held at Palazzo Invernizzi Conference Centre. Speakers included Francesco Billari, Rector of Università Commerciale L. Bocconi and Professor of demography at the same university; Giuseppe Bertoni, President of Fondazione Invernizzi and former Professor of animal physiology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Professor of demography and former Senator, Massimo Livi Bacci; Letizia Mencarini, Professor of demography at Bocconi University; and Dario Frisio, Professor of agricultural economics at Milan Università degli Studi.

Fondazione Invernizzi - founded by spouses Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi, entrepreneurs in the Italian dairy industry - has a close relationship with the agri-food system, which is why it wants to give its contribution to improving how society considers it. In particular, it aims at focusing on socio-economic, nutritional and health aspects, also in relation to its environmental impact.

The (economic, social, ecological and nutritional) sustainability of the agri-food system was dealt with in relation to demographic development and in particular to the link between nutrition, mortality and population and its short and long-term impact.

Fake news is increasingly being disseminated on the subject, often prompted by mistrust of scientific and technical progress. In their remarks, the speakers recounted the dynamics linking demographic development to food availability and pointed out scientific advances in the agri-food sector aimed at improving the impact on the environment while reducing malnutrition.

“Without denying that a few negative episodes in recent decades may have led to some concern, ” explained President Bertoni, “it is certainly not by demonising science and technology that one can come up with a solution to the problems related to food: first and foremost food security, but also, and certainly not subordinately, the protection of the planet”.

The meeting was attended by professors, demographers, journalists, trade and sector organisations in the agri-food and statistical fields, and representatives of associations and foundations.

The Foundation intends to plan an annual event on the subject of the conference, on World Population Day – 11th July - established by the United Nations in 1989.