ECPE Challenge Unit 9: Global Population

1. One of the best known initiatives to limit population growth was the One Child Policy instituted in China from 1979 to 2015. Things have now changed, and all couples are now allowed to have two children. Here is a video explaining why the policy was of limited success, what the consequences have been, and why other countries achieved comparable reductions in population without introducing draconian laws. At the end of the video you'll find links to videos on population issues in other countries.

 2. India is soon set to be the world's most populous nation. Here is a Deutsche Welle report (in English!) on how education and income influence family size, particularly among India's growing urban middle class.

3. Following on from the above, here is a TED talk by the Swedish academic Hans Rosling (1948-2017) on why the global population has ballooned in recent decades, and his view of the only sensible solution to the problem.

"Overpopulation"

 Comparing the statistics of the Earth's population numbers in 1800 with those in 2008, we can easily notice the immense rise of people inhabiting the Earth. This fact has resulted in overpopoulation: the state in which the average number of humans living on our planet is no longer sustainable. With regard to the repercussions of overpopulation, they can only be adverse for humanity. However, how could something be done, so as to control the increase of population, but simultaneously not violating human rights?
 To begin with, many of us would wonder why such a large population should be considered to constitute a problem since it has provided humanity eith a suitably large workforce. Nevertheless, the ratio of people residing on Earth to those that can be sustained by our planet, is disproportionate. Were this problem to worsen, there would be a huge crisis of food deficiency. Concerning the need to satisfy the vital necessityof nourishment, food supplies will not be enough to meet the needs of such a huge number of people. As a result, there may be a war on food and many people might die of starvation, Moreover, another unfavourable aspect of overpopulation is that life standards are going to be downgraded, due to the thickly populated areas, in which people will be crowded, dropping litter and dispose sewage. Rarely will we pass through clean streets and roads. To make matters worse, what is distressing is that people not having a shelter, will live even in landfills, owing to the fact that there might not be any space to build a house. Maybe overpopulation does constitute a huge problem for humanity, but would the effort of limiting this be sensible?
 To alleviate the situation, the goverment should create a benefit especially for families with only one child, or make electricity less expensive for them. In this way, financial incentives are going to be given and many people will be motivated to bring up one child. Furthermore, it is vitally signifcant that a campaign is launched to raise awareness of the crisis. For instance, people can be informed about contraceptionand how disastrous overpopulation can be for their lives. Under no circumstances should we let people be unaware of this serious situation. Taking these steps means that we make an effort to overcome the problem, without infringing upon human rights.
 All in all, I am inclined to believe that with the proper steps, solutions can be fond. It would be wiser to inform the public and to take action for solving this global issue, so long as human rights are not violated.

Overpopulation

In recent years, the size of global population is constantly rising given that startling evince has come to light indicating that the birth rate, that is, the percentage of children born per woman, has peaked in countries, such as Africa, at the percentage of 7.34, whereas the world average is 2.58. Hence, opinions are sharply divided over whether the government should take steps to alleviate the phenomenon of the increasing universal population. 

There are many significant reasons why overpopulation should be tackled. First and foremost, not only will people be malnourished if the population is overwhelming, since there will be food shortages, but a one-time bonanza of fossil fuels (: oil, natural gas and coal) and highly concentrated minerals will also be depleted. Thereby, global warming and famine will be aggravated. Moreover, the fluctuation of demand and supply will continue to expand; subsequently, the prices of goods and services will be extremely high and so will the cost of living. Last but not least, unemployment is to rise, resulting n the stagnation of economy. Nevertheless, how can we remedy this mammoth problem in order to avert catastrophe? 

Having overshot the Earth's capacity to sustain our current numbers, we should not resort to inhumane measures, which would infringe on people's right to create a family.That is, the government should abstain from imposing population control to reduce the birth rates, unlike China, whose President introduced a one child per family policy. So, the most sensible step for the ruling Parties to take could be to provide families with financial incentives, for instance grans, tax cuts, or benefits, so as not to have a large family, at leas. lastly, were the government to launch a campaign to raise awareness on the seriousness of the situation, the birth rates would be curbed. 

On balance, there is no doubt in my mind that overpopulation poses and is going to pose one of the most pressing issues that mankind has to harness. However, how hopeful can we be about the future? In other words, will it be mandatory to take action, and if all governments do take steps , will people comply?