Earlier this week, I watched a news program that revealed the U.S. population growth rate is falling. This is a consequence of women putting off pregnancy until later in life and a slight contraction of life expectancy. The reporters were a bit alarmed by the data, focusing on the economic impact of fewer consumers.
But, for anyone concerned about global warming and the health of natural ecosystems, this is good news, though the benefits will likely be outweighed by continued high fertility rates in developing countries. Human overpopulation, recognized as an environmental threat for at least 50 years, places stress on marine and terrestrial ecosystems across the globe; depletion of natural resources, pollution, climate change and habitat destruction all play a role.
No doubt, corporations and investors are alarmed by the prospect of diminished global consumption. But, unless we reign in our burgeoning population, there will be far greater impacts on the economy (and on the welfare of human civilization) as the health of Planet Earth continues to deteriorate.
But, for anyone concerned about global warming and the health of natural ecosystems, this is good news, though the benefits will likely be outweighed by continued high fertility rates in developing countries. Human overpopulation, recognized as an environmental threat for at least 50 years, places stress on marine and terrestrial ecosystems across the globe; depletion of natural resources, pollution, climate change and habitat destruction all play a role.
No doubt, corporations and investors are alarmed by the prospect of diminished global consumption. But, unless we reign in our burgeoning population, there will be far greater impacts on the economy (and on the welfare of human civilization) as the health of Planet Earth continues to deteriorate.
