In recent years, the global birth rate has decreased significantly. Experts generally see this as a “cause for concern”. This post will explore why they may be right.
A look at life expectancy around the world will show that it has increased dramatically in recent years. The consequences of this are felt all over. Countries with a rapidly rising population, like America, are seeing their day-to-day functions disrupted to account for ever more people. Most developed countries have seen a drop in birth rates. And the trend is projected to continue as life expectancies rise around the world.
One way that this can be seen as a “cause for concern” is through its effects on countries’ economies and population growth. Immigration levels may need to be increased for these countries to maintain their current economic status while continuing to experience such low birth rates.
The main reason given for this is that the younger generations have fewer children than their parents did. This results in a lack of young people to support an aging population as well as a decrease in economically productive people.
A Cause of Celebration
Another cause for concern is the decreased rate of population growth and an increase in the number of people without families. Such trends can lead to an increased risk of crime as well as lower economic growth. However, in terms of “cause for concern” it primarily seems to be a matter of opinion.
For example, economist Stephen Moore says that declining birth rates are “a cause for celebration.” He argues that children are a financial burden on their parents, especially considering the high costs associated with today’s standards of living. As a result, he would rather see people having fewer children and living better lives than having more children and being burdened by the costs associated with raising them.
Or A Cause of Concern?
On the other hand, experts at the Population Reference Bureau argue that it is not necessarily a cause for celebration. To remain sustainable, a population needs to replace birth rates. Replacement birth rates are currently at about 2.1 births per woman (compared to 2.7 in the 1970s). This decrease in population growth could eventually lead to a decreased workforce. They will also lead to an aging population and an increased burden on social security systems. As for the U.S., it has a replacement-level fertility rate of about 2.0 births per woman (compared with 3.65 in the 1970s).
Global fertility rates are decreasing at an alarming rate, according to many experts. In this sense, they represent a decline in future generations and a weakened workforce. According to this hypothesis, economic development will increase population growth. In turn, the world’s population will continue to increase and humans will eventually destroy our planet. Nevertheless, this problem only seems to be relevant if people are not taking care of their environment as well as they should.
The Burden of Declining Birth Rate
The World Future Council has recently noted significant concerns about the declining birth rate worldwide. They argue that developed countries have an aging population. And they lack adequate social security systems to provide benefits for these people.
According to them, this will place a huge burden on the future and may result in social unrest. On the other hand, the Council argues that there are many solutions capable of reversing this trend. One of these options is the education of girls and young women. So that they have more control over their fertility.
For example, Canada has invested millions of dollars into educating girls in rural areas. And they have seen a dramatic increase in fertility over the past 20 years. Other possible solutions are child benefits for both men and women who do not have children. And programs to allow women to have more control over their reproductive capacity (such as promoting contraception).
Also read: Predictions: The Earth In A Hundred Years From Now
