over-population continued

There was an interesting reaction to my observations in my last post about the world being over-populated, as I knew there would be.  It is a sensitive subject, and few people in our western world, understandably, would like to be told what size family to have.

 

As in everything, freedom of choice - where this is available - is of great importance.  China for years has imposed a strict limitation on child numbers, and while being dracomian it has succeeded in ensuring - just - a sustainable population.   That is one choice of action for world leaders, but an unpalatable one.

Meanwhile, it has been proven that persuasion combined with education can change societal attitudes and behaviour dramatically, as we have seen with attitudes to drink-driving, for example:-  it is unacceptable behaviour for most people to drink and drive now, though thirty years ago it was common place.  The choice is there, the drink is there, the car is there, but public disapproval is a powerful factor in discouraging it, and the same applies to smoking.

So, I am talking about informed choice when referring to family planning and over-population in the world, and I do not believe that the choice is sufficiently informed at the moment.  If humanity - leaders and individuals -  do not address the issue, as they can, if they choose, then the planet will on our behalf and it's behalf.  It is the planet's right to choose also, and our responsibiltiy to help - if we choose.