The Importance of Population Growth
It’s a pretty straightforward concept: people are essential for thriving. Humans are, arguably, our planet’s most valuable resource. It’s our creativity that enables us to harness and nurture all the resources around us. Contrary to what radical environmentalists might suggest, we’re not merely destroyers; we’re more like caretakers of the Earth.
As we become more affluent and advanced in technology, we may be better equipped to prevent catastrophic events, like a massive meteor strike that could wipe out life on Earth. However, there’s a concerning trend: many nations are literally running out of people. Recent statistics indicate that U.S. fertility rates have hit an all-time low.
A recent chart highlights the birth and death rates in Europe. If birth rates don’t start increasing soon, we could be staring down a bleak future—a potential dark age for the Western world. The reality is, Europeans could face extinction.
Negative population growth is a real threat to prosperity. It’s not just a number; it indicates a decline in human wellbeing. This isn’t limited to Europe, though. Countries like Japan and South Korea could see their populations halved over the next 80 years unless they shift away from the trend of having just one child.
So, why are wealthier nations experiencing such depopulation? For decades, figures like Paul Ehrlich have forewarned us about the “population bomb,” urging global populations to refrain from having more children to save the planet. This has led to extreme measures in some places, including forced abortions and sterilizations.
That campaign definitely had an impact; look at the results. There are also other factors at play. As societies grow wealthier, the “cost” of raising children—especially in terms of lost income—has surged. Women increasingly opt not to have children. And just to clarify, I’m definitely not advocating for lower wages for women!
As marriage rates decline and people marry later, the window for having multiple children shrinks. In a more secular, self-centered society, religiousness has also lessened. It’s unfortunate because childless couples often report being less fulfilled. If we don’t see a divine purpose for being here, what’s the motivation to have kids?
The solutions to this declining birthrate are unclear. Some pro-natalist policies, like financial incentives for families and free childcare, have had mixed results. In the U.S., we’ve managed to slow the demographic crisis affecting Europe and much of Asia partly through immigration. Immigrants not only boost population numbers but also tend to have more children than those born in America.
Yet, even with immigration, the aging population in the U.S. represents a significant challenge. One simple change could be to celebrate the virtues and sacrifices inherent in motherhood. Our schools, communities, and political leaders should consistently promote the idea that having more children is one of the best contributions people can make toward ensuring the continuation of our species.
