Over-Population

[Coldicote]

We often hear about the world becoming over-populated. I know this has been referred to previously on AB, but is there an answer to the problem? I fear it will eventually lead to self-destruction of the human race, or at least to anarchy. Does anyone have any ideas how over-population might be dealt with or at least discouraged? For starters what about rewarding those who agree to voluntary sterilisation after say one or two children?

[Old_Geezer]

There are 2 main ways to deal with a species that has over-reproduced and is consuming resources and fouling its environment at too great a rate. One is to kill off the excess, which eventually the affect of overpopulation will do anyway even if no one does anything intentional to achieve it. The other is to reduce the breeding rate to below the attrition rate.

If you wish the latter, more peaceful way, then folk must set an example themselves. In authortarian regimes the people can be forced to limit the size of their family for the common good. In democratic countries then the best one can do is try to educate, and set up welfare/tax systems that encourages folk to stick to a maximum of 2 offspring only. Since each country only has jurisdiction within it's own borders care must be taken to ensure immigration does undue any good results you achieve, sucking in excess population produced elsewhere in less enlightened countries.

But knowing the ability of the human race to do the right thing for all, I'd bet on folk plumping for war, disease, and population to do the job for them instead. No one wants to take on personal responsibility, just to see others not bothering.

[Old_Geezer]

"doesn't undo" obviously.

[Coldicote]

OldG, a well thought out answer, thank you. Not a happy picture, but then it's not a happy subject. I wish politicians would be open with their thoughts about it - if they have any - and I also hope some of them read your comments.

[daisya]

Well said OG and my sentiments agree entirely. Over population is something that worries me in that as OG said, people won't take responsibility for their actions and I guess most will say, "why should I when no one else is..." Typical of the human race and if nothing is done by individuals, nature will take its course unfortunately.