More information
Sources (under construction)
General
- Reconciling a positive ecological balance with human development: A quantitative assessment – Ecological Indicators (2021)
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Solutions
- Human fertility in relation to education, economy, religion, contraception, and family planning programs – BMC Public Health (2020)
- Achieving sustainable population: Fertility decline in many developing countries follows modern contraception, not economic growth – Sustainable Development (2022)
- Human Fertility and religions in sub-Saharan Africa: A comprehensive review of publications and data, 2010-2020 – African Journal of Reproductive Health (2023)
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Biodiversity and climate
- Overpopulation is a major cause of biodiversity loss and smaller human populations are necessary to preserve what is left – Biological Conservation (2022)
Ageing and migration
- Aging Human Populations: Goof for Us, Good for the Earth – Trends in Ecology & Evolution (2018)
- eurASP statement on migration – eurASP (2023)
- How should ecological citizens think about immigration? – The Ecological Citizen (2019)
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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).
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.