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General

Solutions

Biodiversity and climate

Ageing and migration

Frequently asked questions

To us, all three, population size, consumption as well as technology play an important role. It is the actual interplay of all three variables that leads to the largest positive effect overall. Unfortunately, the population factor often gets ignored or left out for ideological reasons. However, thousands of scientists indicate that it is a key factor for a sustainable population.

Fertility rate in Europe is declining, which contributes towards a more sustainable population. A fertility decline in the developed world has even a bigger impact, as our ecological footprint is much larger than in other parts of the world.

On a global level, there are many countries that still experience strong population growth. We believe that every human being has the right to sufficient prosperity. Yet, even today, more than half a billion people live in extreme poverty and do not have access to enough resources. The latest projections assume that the global population size will stabilize around 10.9 billion by 2100. This indicates that planet earth needs to supply resources for another 3 billion people (a 38% increase from today).

Better distribution of resources and equity strongly contributes to a more sustainable population. However, in order to satisfy the basic needs of all human beings (i.e. food, fresh water etc), research shows that with the projected population growth, this will detrimentally impact the natural world. For instance, several studies have shown that global crop production needs to double by 2050 to meet the projected demands. This is a real challenge with severe consequences for planet earth. Hence, to achieve a sustainable population, redistribution of wealth, equity and resources is imperative, but not sufficient. A sustainable population size strongly facilitates this redistribution and the steps towards a sustainable population. Many countries need to reconsider their consumption as well as their population impacts in order to become sustainable.

The ageing of society creates challenges, but science suggests they are not insurmountable. It requires an adjustment of our current social and economic organisation based on continued growth. Even if the present population ages, there will be enough work capacity. Many jobs are becoming redundant due to part-time jobs and automation/digitalization. Additionally, basic market theory suggests that less labor leads to better terms of employment and reducing the barriers to access the market. Costs arising from additional elderly care can be saved when costs for youngsters, i.e. nursery care, schools and education can be reduced. 

We do not have any political affiliation. We strongly believe it is a topic that should be on the agenda of all political parties.

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