There was a lot of hyperbole when it was announced that the world population had reached 8 billion people. That is a lot of little heaters on the planet. No wonder there is planet wide climate warming.
Also, with so many people just being around it is not easy to find a place to relax and unwind. It is no wonder that we have more road rage and other violence between one another.
COVID was a glimmer of hope but although millions died the number lacked several zeros to really be effective. What can we do? Well, there is something happening. The fertility rate is dropping.
The rate of births to maintain population needs to be 2.1 births per women. The rate in some places is lower than that. For instance, China’s birth rate is only 1.3 and the US is down to 1.6
Why? Education is the major factor in this happening. Education is happening because women are getting out into the world. In most countries worldwide women are learning other skills besides being a brood mare. Education about birth control methods and the means to get the necessary supplies to make that happen is available to more women. The cost of raising a child is making people pause to think about if they truly want another child.
Also, the problems in the world make some women decide they don’t want to bring a child into such a mess as our lives are now. Constant worry about war and shortages of food and water makes having another child seem rather foolish.
Urbanization is an important factor in the scope of the picture. Farmers welcomed more children because that meant more hands to do the work to raise crops. In the city more children just means more mouths to feed and bodies to clothe.
Of course this brings on a new problem. The aging population will mean soon there will be more retirees than workers paying into the system. In 1960 there were 6 workers per each retiree. Now there are 3 workers per retiree. By 2035 it will be 2 to 1. and it will get worse after that. Who will take care of the older generation?
Perhaps AI will come to our rescue. The new robots can do amazing things. Can one be developed that can bathe our great grandchildren as gently as they did our generation.
Of course, there is still the money part of the question but that is a story for another day.
Jackie Barker
Too bad Covid missed you. we would not have to suffer thru negativity like this.
Eric Darden, I fail to see what is negativity about this news. It is just a report on the facts of life. They are what they are. If you don’t like it find a way to make life better for everyone.
WHAT?
Are you saying what I think you’re saying?
I hope I misunderstood.
Jackie did a fact based article for our writing group – fact based that she researched. You don’ t have to like the material, however you did choose to negatively attack her. I thought comments like yours were not allowed. Jackie is a nice person who likes research. The group encouraged her to post this because it was well written.
To clarify: My comment (above) was directed to Eric Darden for his hateful comment. I fully support Jackie.
WebAdmin Comment: It’s fair to attack ideas, but it’s NOT fair to attack people. Eric, we try our best to moderate comments but yours slipped through. Please limit your comments to the ideas and positions in our posts. All people deserve respect. Thom Hoch
Thank you, Thom.
It’s really sad this nasty comment slipped through. We must be more careful!
Who is Eric Darden? I don’t see his name on rhe members list nor do I see him on the AWL.
Jackie this is a well researched and well presented post. We all find out at some point,that not everyone appreciates what we do. The artist is naked when we put our words and feelings out there for all to see. Critics are everywhere. The loudest are the most jealous of someone else’s talent. You are part of a great group of people at Timber Valley. Keep on trying and figure out what you want to say and how best to say it. I’m looking forward to reading more of your work.
Can a person be baned from the site? This was way more than a disgruntled post. No one seems to know Eric or if he is a SKP member. Thanks Fred for your comment. Not everyone will like our writing but most still support the writers. Jackie is a valued member of our Writer’s Group.