World Sensorium 2025: A Formulaic Portrayal of Changing Populations and Conservation

F or the creation of the world social olfactory sculpture, World Sensorium, a planetary scent, each country’s significant aromatic plant scent, identified by a world survey, was blended by volume determined by its population percentages for the year 2000. To create World Sensorium: 2025, extensive population projection research was also required.

In the process of researching and crafting the formula for World Sensorium 2025, a story began to unfold—a narrative of shifting populations, evolving societies, and the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. Using tools like Earth’s population database and the detailed visualizations of population.un.org, we pieced together a global mosaic of demographic trends, uncovering insights that would shape the formula for this ambitious project.

Across much of the world, birth rates are declining. Countries known for their prosperity and stability— Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Germany, and many others—are experiencing historically low numbers of births. Hungary marked a grim milestone with the fewest children born in its recorded history. Even nations with vast resources, like the United States, Canada, and China, are not immune to this trend. Perplexingly, this included Finland, constantly one of the happiest countries in the world, based on yearly world report rankings.

The reasons that birthrates are falling are layered and complex, entwined with concerns about economic pressures, environmental instability, and the social stresses of a warming world. The impact of wildfires, floods, biodiversity loss, acidic and rising seas, and human displacement are taking their toll on optimism because they are all problems that require rapid and radical transformation to zero-carbon living by everyone.

Fertility rates and sperm counts are also plummeting, likely influenced by chemical pollution. In some ways, this demographic shift offers hope for the environment—less pressure on natural resources and reduced encroachment on fragile ecosystems. Yet, the story is not so simple.

Billions of people, maybe half of humanity worldwide, rely on wild plants for food, medicine, and income, whether they’re aware of it or not. A stable or reduced population means plants may be more sustainably used, which helps us move away from a possible catastrophic biodiversity collapse.  But plant sustainability is more than reduced illegal and unregulated harvesting.; it means humans taking shared responsibility for water, animals, and microorganisms of their ecosystem.

In stark contrast, many countries in Africa and parts of the Middle East, such as Niger, Mali, and Uganda, continue to see soaring birth rates. Cultural norms, limited access to contraception, and the youthful demographic structures in nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan drive these trends. Afghanistan’s high birth rate reflects not only cultural expectations but also the enduring impact of conflict, where large families are often seen as a form of resilience.

This rapid population growth places immense strain on resources, infrastructure, and healthcare. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive family planning and education for women and girls—initiatives that could empower communities and foster more sustainable growth.

China presents a unique and fascinating case in terms of its demographic outlook, which the government now considers to be a critical challenge. The country’s population growth is slowing rapidly, with deaths outpacing births in some areas. Key factors driving this decline include widespread urbanization, falling fertility rates, and an increasingly aging population—trends that are reshaping China’s social and economic landscape. After decades of rapid population growth, the shift towards a shrinking population is raising significant concerns for the country’s future, especially about labor force sustainability and economic productivity.

In response to these demographic shifts, the Chinese government has intensified efforts to reverse the trend, launching campaigns to encourage citizens to date, marry, and have children. Policies have evolved from the strict one-child policy to a more recent push for larger families, with financial incentives, extended parental leave, and even housing subsidies for families with multiple children. However, these measures face a complex set of cultural, economic, and environmental challenges. Urban living, high housing costs, and evolving societal attitudes toward marriage and family life are all factors that complicate the government’s demographic goals.

This situation illustrates the intricate interplay between government policy, cultural norms, and economic realities in shaping population trends. It also raises important questions about how governments can influence or adapt to demographic changes that are often driven by deep-rooted social dynamics, global economic forces, and climate change. As China continues to navigate these challenges, its experience provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing demographic shifts in a rapidly changing world.

Through this research, we uncovered another layer of the story: how these demographic changes intertwine with plant conservation. In regions of declining birth rates, reduced human activity may allow ecosystems to recover. Conservationists see opportunities to restore native plants and biodiversity in areas previously dominated by urban sprawl and agriculture. Yet, these opportunities are tempered by challenges.

Aging populations and shrinking workforces can strain the resources available for conservation initiatives. Fewer young people mean fewer volunteers and activists to champion environmental causes. Indigenous and rural communities, where traditional ecological knowledge often resides, are particularly vulnerable. As younger generations migrate to cities or dwindle in number, this invaluable knowledge risks being lost.

In response, innovative strategies are emerging to preserve and share traditional ecological knowledge. From digital archives to community-led conservation projects, efforts are underway to ensure that this wisdom continues to inform sustainable practices and protect biodiversity.

Ireland was a complex case study. Ireland mirrors global trends, with its birth rate declining steadily from 15.7 births per 1,000 in 2012 to 11.3 in 2022. As its population ages, Ireland faces societal shifts that demand careful planning—from workforce restructuring to long-term environmental strategies.

However, Ireland’s demographic story also reflects its compassionate response to global crises. The country has welcomed over 84,000 Ukrainian refugees under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive, balancing immediate humanitarian needs with long-term integration efforts. This influx has enriched Ireland’s cultural tapestry, bringing with it aromatic plants and traditions that echo those of its own landscape.

As we look toward 2025 and our shared future, the narrative of World Sensorium intertwines with these global trends, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Demographic shifts challenge us to rethink conservation strategies, adapt to new realities, and find innovative ways to protect our planet’s biodiversity and cultural olfactory heritage.

In an era of change, the World Sensorium formula becomes not just a reflection of population and culture but a call to action—urging us to preserve the delicate balance between human life and the natural world. 

Together, we can shape a future where the resilience of ecosystems supports thriving communities in harmony with the earth.

Gayil Nalls, PhD is an interdisciplinary artist and theorist. She is the founder of the World Sensorium Conservancy and the editor of its journal, Plantings.