Over Population

CAUSES, EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS
MORGAN HENWOOD
2016
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES INNISDALE SECONDARY SCHOOL
Overpopulation
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Table of Contents
Definition of Overpopulation....................................................................................... 2
Significance................................................................................................................ 4
Background................................................................................................................ 7
Projected Population Trends........................................................................................ 9
Expert....................................................................................................................... 11
Role of Control.......................................................................................................... 13
Logic of Evil.............................................................................................................. 16
Iran........................................................................................................................ 18
Singapore.............................................................................................................. 18
Germany............................................................................................................... 19
Case Studies............................................................................................................. 20
China..................................................................................................................... 20
Indonesia............................................................................................................... 23
India...................................................................................................................... 26
International Organizations...................................................................................... 31
Care International.................................................................................................. 31
Family Planning 2020 (FP2020).............................................................................32
Private Sector Supporters of FP2020.....................................................................33
Other Organizations.............................................................................................. 34
Canada..................................................................................................................... 35
Solutions................................................................................................................... 39
Replacement Rate................................................................................................. 42
Conclusions.............................................................................................................. 47
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Definition of Overpopulation
Overpopulation is defined by thefreedictonary.com as "Excessive population of an area to
the point of overcrowding, depletion of natural resources, or environmental deterioration".1 By
this definition, several regions of the world are experiencing overpopulation, and its inhabitants
are suffering from the effects, most notably in developing countries. This report will present the
causes and effects of regional overpopulation. Problems such as: loss of fresh water, lower life
expectancy, the depletion of natural resources, emerging and re-emerging diseases, increased
habitat loss and increased crime rates make overpopulation a very serious global threat. This
report will discuss the countries and regions affected by the various issues caused by
overpopulation.
Also in this report, there are three case studies provided as examples of overpopulation.
The countries chosen to be a part of this report are regions that are currently suffering from the
negative effects of overpopulation: Indonesia, China and India. This report discusses the
historical causes of overpopulation, problems associated with overpopulation and the future
outlook.
Although overpopulation has its greatest effects locally, global effects extend to
developed countries such as Canada. Emerging and re-emerging diseases put the health of
Canadians at risk. The onus is on developed countries to prevent the spread of diseases in
overpopulated countries in order to prevent global pandemics. Supplying humanitarian aid and
dealing with local conflicts also falls to developed countries. Deforestation and desertification
are problems attributed to resource-hungry nations, however, part of the problem appears to lie
with overpopulation and the associated agricultural practices that lead to large scale land
clearing.
A review of proposed solutions is undertaken. This investigation examines efforts that
have been made in various countries to date with an analysis of their success or failure. One such
country is China where measures to control population growth have been considered both a
success and a failure.
1 Thefreedictionary, A. (n.d.). Overpopulation. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/overpopulation
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Population trends, prepared by the United Nations, are presented along with population
projections for the next 84 years.
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Significance
There are currently over seven billion people on earth. Estimates vary, but the world
population is expected to reach between eight and eleven billion by 2050 and up to fifteen billion
by 2100 with the population expected to continue to grow exponentially. Other projections
suggest we are in a position to cap the long term world population around ten billion. Most of
the population growth is expected to take place in developing countries where the current
population of 5.3 billion is expected to increase to 7.8 billion by 2050.2
Historically, the worlds population has grown at an exponential rate. To put this in
perspective, from 2009 to 2011, 200 million people were added to Earths population. In
comparison, there were about one billion people in the world in 1804 and it took approximately
forty eight years for the population to grow by 200 million people.3
Advances in medicine have allowed many women to reach the child bearing age and have
improved survival rates of both mother and child during childbirth. These medical
advancements were not available only a few decades ago. Advances in technology and
medicine have also increased the average life expectancy in many regions of the globe in both
developed and developing nations. Since 1900, the global average life expectancy has increased
from approximately thirty-five years to approximately seventy years. All countries now have a
higher life expectancy than did countries with the highest life expectancy in 1800.4
Overpopulation has been the cause of the destruction of over 7.3 million hectares of
forest every year for agriculture, urbanization, cattle ranching, wood fibre and a variety of other
2 Carrington, D. (2014, September 18). World population to hit 11bn in 2100 with
70% chance of continuous rise. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/18/world-population-new-study11bn-2100
3 Unknown, A. (2014, December 16). Current World Population. Retrieved March 10,
2016, from
http://geography.about.com/od/obtainpopulationdata/a/worldpopulation.htm
4 Max Roser (2016) Life Expectancy. Published online at OurWorldInData.org.
Retrieved from: https://ourworldindata.org/life-expectancy/ [Online Resource]
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uses.5 Deforestation can have significant negative effects both locally and globally. The loss of
habitat is one such concern that has widespread effects. Approximately seventy-five percent of
all Earths animal and plant life live in forests and many cannot survive deforestation. The
implications of species decline and extinction for humans are numerous. Population decline of
small species can disrupt the entire food chain and lead to a reduction in food sources for large
animals, and ultimately human beings.6
Trees play a critical role by absorbing many greenhouse gases that promote global
warming or climate change. By having fewer trees, there are larger volumes of greenhouse gases
entering the atmosphere. Deforestation also advances local climate change because without the
protection from the sun provided by tree cover, the moist forest soil quickly dries out. The forests
also play a part in the water cycle by returning water vapour to the atmosphere. Without the trees
to perform this task many forest lands can become infertile deserts. 7
Economic effects are also felt. Through population decline of animals, many industries
will suffer due to their reliance on animals and animal products.8
Many medicines are derived from plants that rely on insect pollination to reproduce.
Through the decline in insect population these plants cannot reproduce and medicines are more
difficult to find. The extinction of species also has a negative effect on the development of new
medicines.
5 Bradford, A. (2015, March 04). Deforestation: Facts, Causes & Effects. Retrieved
March 03, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html
6 Flostro, A. (2012, May 27). Over-Population: The Most Serious Environmental
Problem for Science. Retrieved March 09, 2016.
7 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Deforestation Facts, Deforestation Information, Effects of
Deforestation - National Geographic. Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/globalwarming/deforestation-overview/
8 Writer, C. (n.d.). How Do the Extinctions of Other Creatures Affect Humans
Directly? Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
http://science.opposingviews.com/extinctions-other-creatures-affect-humansdirectly-23240.html
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The decline in fresh water is one of the greatest concerns related to overpopulation as it
poses a significant environmental and human health threat. Seventy percent of the worlds fresh
water is used for irrigation. Water tables are dropping by one to three metres per year in China,
India, Pakistan, Mexico, Yemen and the United States. Water tables all over the world are falling
rapidly, and when the worlds water supply is depleted, the worlds food production will fall. The
resulting grain shortages will increase the price of food and destabilize world grain markets.9
Without the ability to grow food wide-spread famine could occur, affecting all countries, but
having a disproportionate effect on developing countries.
As the global population grows from 7 billion to almost 9 billion by 2040, and the number of
middle-class consumers will increase by 3 billion over the next 20 years, the demand for
resources will rise exponentially. By 2030, the world will need at least 50 per cent more food, 45
per cent more energy and 30 per cent more water all at a time when environmental boundaries
are throwing up new limits to supply.10
It has been proven that there is a strong correlation between human population density and the
spread of disease. As the population density increases, people and their domesticated animals,
such as pigs come into closer and more frequent contact with wild animals. This has been shown
to increase the likelihood of spreading zoonotic diseases. The way infectious diseases emerge has
changed due to population growth. With the close proximity of people to each other, disease can
easily spread. Previously controlled diseases can re-emerge amongst large populations.11
9 Unknown, A. (2010, August 12). Sustainability and Water of WOA!! - World

Population Awareness and World Overpopulation Awareness. Retrieved March 10,
2016, from http://www.overpopulation.org/water.html
10 Unknown, A. (2012, September 14). Overpopulation: Food Crisis and Future
Hunger Wars. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from
http://www.boomerwarrior.org/2012/09/overpopulation-food-crisis-and-futurehunger-wars/
11 Gholipour, B. (2013, November 26). What 11 Billion People Mean for Disease
Outbreaks. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-11-billion-people-mean-diseaseoutbreaks/
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The spread of diseases is another concern related to deforestation. Many species of

animals serve as buffers to prevent the spread of diseases. Without their habitat these species
experience a population decline and some diseases are more likely to spread and end up in the
human population.12
Pollution of groundwater is problematic in many developing countries. It is a problem of
insufficient infrastructure but is amplified by growing population. In countries such as Uganda,
large populations are migrating to un-organized urban settlements that lack sewage collection,
treatment and disposal facilities. Open defecation and pit latrines lead to surface and well water
contamination that contribute to disease.13
12 Matt, F., & Gebser, R. (2011). Biodiversity decline can increase the spread of infectious
diseases like Hantavirus. Retrieved May 8, 2016, from http://doc.teebweb.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/01/TEEBcase-Biodiversity-and-Health.pdf
13 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Uganda - Water Crisis | Water.org. Retrieved May 07, 2016,
from http://water.org/country/uganda/
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Background
For most of human history, wars, disease and high infant mortality rates kept the
population of regions growing slowly. It was not until the 1800s when the world population
began to significantly increase. This was due to advancements in science. The developments of
aseptic surgical techniques and antimicrobials in the medical field allowed people to effectively
fight infections and led to an overall increased life expectancy. Infant mortality rates were
decreasing, which allowed more children to reach adulthood and reproduce. There were also
advances in agriculture which allowed people to live healthier and longer lives. Intellectuals in
the eighteenth century (most notably Thomas Malthus) began contemplating the idea that one
day the earths resources would no longer be able to support humanity.14
During the industrial revolution the global population increased rapidly. A philosophy
called Mercantilism existed which held the idea that a large population was desirable because it
increased wealth and made bigger markets and armies possible.15 When the population reached
three billion in 1967 and the fear of an apocalyptic end was spreading across the United States,
the ideology of large populations being beneficial was questioned. During this time, Dr. Paul
Ehrlich wrote a book titled The Population Bomb, discussing the end of the United States if
changes were not made. Ehrlich founded an organization called Zero Population Growth (ZPG)
and appeared on talk shows, spreading his message quickly. Ehrlich began proposing ideas to
bring the birth rate down.
Ehrlichs views on how to bring the birth rate down were concrete: compulsion if voluntary
methods fail, creating a black list of people, companies and organizations impeding population
control in the US, Responsibility Prizes for childless marriages, a tax on children and luxury
tax on diapers and cribs.16
14 Boyd, B. (2010). Is There Room for Me? A Study of Overpopulation. Retrieved

March 08, 2016, from
http://youthambassadors.barrie.ca/global2010/html/ISUs/Brianna.pdf
15 James, B. (1994, September 08). Overpopulation Has a Brief History. Retrieved
March 08, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/08/news/08iht-birth.html
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The issue of overpopulation was taken with so much seriousness that Ehrlich
recommended putting substances in the public water to make people less fertile.17
Since Ehrlichs time the world population has increased from three billion to over seven billion
without the apocalyptic end he predicted. However, modern research and statistical methods
have given us an insight into the actual global problems we now face and clearly there needs to
be a continued global effort to alleviate this world issue.
16 Haberman, C. (2015, May 31). The Unrealized Horrors of Population Explosion.

Retrieved March 08, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/01/us/theunrealized-horrors-of-population-explosion.html?_r=0
17 Haberman, C. (2015, May 31). The Unrealized Horrors of Population Explosion.
Retrieved March 08, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/01/us/theunrealized-horrors-of-population-explosion.html?_r=0
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Projected Population Trends

A graph of world population projections is presented in Figure 1 in the Appendix. The
graph demonstrates a trend in which very little growth will occur in developed countries from
now until 2100. The projected growth in the world population is due almost entirely to growth in
less developed countries.
There were approximately 7.3 billion people in the world as of mid-2015. The United
Nations predicts the population will rise to 9.7 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. More
than half of the expected global population growth between 2015 and 2050 is expected to occur
in Sub-Saharan Africa with an expected increase of 1.3 billion. Sub-Saharan Africa includes all
countries south of the Sahara Desert and excludes countries in the north of Africa. Most of the
remainder of the growth is expected to occur in other developing countries in Asia. Growth in
developed regions is expected to amount to only thirty-five million. Developed regions include
Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Natural increase (population growth
due only to births and not to immigration) is on a decline in developed countries. The small
increase in population in developed countries will be primarily due to immigration from less
developed regions. Developed regions are net receivers of international migrants, while Africa,
Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean are net senders. Almost all of the worlds population
growth for the next eighty-four years will originate in developing countries.18
Despite continued growth, the worlds population is growing more slowly than in the
recent past. The current growth rate is 1.18 percent per year, down from 1.24 percent per year in
2005. The United Nations projections to the year 2100 show a decrease in growth rate in all
areas of the globe. In the interval 2050 to 2055 the average annual growth rate will be 0.50
percent per year, and in the interval 2095 to 2100, 0.13 percent per year.19
Figure 2 in the Appendix shows the past and projected percentage population changes of
the world in total, and in more developed and less developed regions individually. There has
18 United Nations. (2016, January 12). World Population Prospects 2015 [Data Booklet].
United Nations. (n.d.). World Population Prospects - Population Division - United Nations.
Retrieved May 07, 2016, from http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/DataQuery/
19
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been a steep downward trend since the 1960s in all areas of the globe and the trend is expected to
continue. In the interval 2035 to 2075, the projected percentage population change is below zero
in developed regions, indicating a decline in population in these areas.
Figure 3 shows a graph of past and future projections for births per 1000 people.
According to the United Nations projection, natural increase is expected to continue to decrease
at least until the year 2100, at which time it is expected to have a value of 1.3 births per 1000
people. The graph follows a pattern similar to Figure 2, with a decline since the 1960s.
Although the population is expected to increase until approximately 2100, data from
1950 to present indicate that the world rate of population growth has been on a decline and is
expected to continue to decline to at least 2100. Although the United Nations projections are
only an estimate and are subject to error, there is at least a suggestion that population is on a
trajectory to reach a maximum at some time in the future rather than increase exponentially.
Conditions from 1950 to present have promoted declining average birth rates. Conditions
that have led to this decrease are discussed later in this report.
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Expert
The expert chosen for the following section is Mr. William Ryerson. William Ryerson is
the president and founder of the Population Media Center and currently the Chairman of the
Population Institute. Ryerson has been working in the field of reproductive health for thirtyseven years including twenty years of experience when he studied the behavioural changes in
various cultures throughout the world.20
The Population Media Center (founded by William Ryerson), uses many media
techniques to help teach local populations about sexual behaviour and reproductive health. The
Population Media Center collaborates with governments, other organizations and a variety of
media sources such as radio and television with the goal of bringing attention to the cultural
issues and attributes that go along with sexual risk taking. The group also works to determine the
barriers that prevent the media from productively discussing the issues of reproductive health
and they create action plans together. William Ryerson has made a number of entertaining and
educational programs, most notably soap operas which have proved to be the most compelling
technique to change behaviours.21 These soap operas are used to educate young women in
developing nations so that they become aware of reproductive health, birth control and family
planning.
Girls are seen as an asset if they are sold into marriage and earn a dowry, but otherwise theres a
liability. In fact, one of the things another organization I head, Population Media Center is trying
to do is to promote through soap operas, girls education. Getting people to send their daughters
to school, which of course delays marriage and child bearing as well as making them much better
mothers.22
20 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Staff. Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
https://www.populationinstitute.org/about/staff/
21 Ryerson, W. (n.d.). Bill Ryerson (billryersonimmigration) on about.me. Retrieved
March 08, 2016, from https://about.me/billryersonimmigration
22 Cabrera, M. (2013, January 30). Leading Expert Talks Overpopulation At SDSU.
Retrieved March 09, 2016, from http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/jan/30/leadingexpert-talks-overpopulation-sdsu/
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William Ryerson has informed many important leaders on current actions that are affecting the
population. Such factors include: energy, water shortages, food, climate change and national
security. Ryerson wants to keep population issues relevant in the world. He is doing so by
working with educators, policy makers, organizations both faith based and secular, as well as
working with many news media outlets. In 2006 the Rotarian Action group for Population
Growth and Sustainable Development awarded Ryerson with the Nafis Sadik Award for Courage.
It is the general consensus amongst Ryerson and other experts that the solution to
overpopulation lies with the empowerment of women for family planning, education and job
opportunities, awareness of negative impacts caused by overpopulation, and the effects of social
norms and economic forces.23
23 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Best Population Size? - The Big Picture. Retrieved March 10,
2016, from http://www.howmany.org/big_picture.php
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Role of Control
Like many global issues, overpopulation stems from control being in the hands of the wrong
people or institutions. Overpopulation is the result of the control over family planning residing
with entities other than women who are of childbearing age. There are currently several
movements aimed at giving women control over their own reproductive health with the goal of
mitigating population growth. In many developing countries, women have little or no control
over their own family planning. Family sizes are often dictated by cultural norms.
An extensive body of literature documents the demographic, social, economic and cultural factors
motivating both men and women to want large families, including high mortality rates, wealth
flows from the younger to the older generation, need for security and insurance against risk and
old age, and the status, rituals, and prestige associated with large families. Studies have shown
that in high fertility settings, both men and women tend to want large families, although their
reasons may differ. For women, gendered norms and institutions shape demand mainly by
emphasizing the central importance of motherhood, and in particular, by ensuring that their social
and economic statuseven survivalis derived from bearing many children. Where motherhood
holds such central importance, women are keenly aware of the cultural dictates regarding what is
expected of them in terms of childbearing. Their value in marriage, treatment and security in their
marital homes, and risk of divorce or abandonment can all be heavily dependent on meeting
prescribed expectations. As with the pressure and preference to have a certain number of children,
women are also influenced by social norms regarding the sex composition of the family they
desire.24
There is now growing awareness that women, not social or cultural institutions, need to have
control over the size of their own families. Many cultures are still male dominated and continue
to perpetuate large families. Some Asian cultures have preferences for male children as the
24 Malhotra, A. (2012, February). Women's Demand for Reproductive Control:

Understanding and Addressing Gender Barriers. Retrieved March 09, 2016.
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presence of a son provides an economic advantage and increased social status. If a woman fails
to produce sons, her social, financial and physical well-being is threatened.25
There are currently approximately 225 million females in developing countries who
would like to prevent or delay further off-spring but are not using contraceptives. In developing
countries access to contraceptives, family planning education and family planning services are
limited. In some cases religious or cultural opposition prevents females from using
contraceptives. In Africa, 23.2% of women of reproductive age have an unmet need for
contraception.26
The Catholic Church has had a long history of banning condoms and their reach has
extended to developing countries. Although the Church has relaxed its position somewhat in
recent years, it has long been the Churchs position that artificial contraception of all forms is
immoral.27 Pope Paul VI, in 1968, put forth his letter entitled Humanae Vitae. His letter reenforced the teachings of the church, stating that the use of contraceptives is morally wrong as it
prevents a human being from entering into existence.28 The church believes that contraception is
any action which renders procreation impossible."29 The ideology applies to the use of condoms,
spermicide, sterilization, birth control pills, and coitus interruptus.30
25 Fuse, K. (2010). Variations in attitudinal gender preferences for children across 50 lessdeveloped countries. Demographic Research, 23, 1031-1048.
26 World Health Organization. (2015, May). Family planning/Contraception. Retrieved May

07, 2016, from http://who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs351/en/
27 Catholic Church and HIV/AIDS. (2016, February 2). In Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:18, May 7, 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Catholic_Church_and_HIV/AIDS&oldid=702870999
28 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Tracts. Retrieved May 18, 2016, from
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/birth-control
29 IV, P. (n.d.). Humanae Vitae (July 25, 1968) | Paul VI. Retrieved May 18, 2016,
from http://w2.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_pvi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html
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In 2010, during a visit to Britain, Pope Benedict XVI announced that the use of condoms
to prevent the spread of disease is permissible in some situations, but did not revise the Churchs
ban on the use of condoms for birth control.31
Barriers to contraceptive use for women in developing countries generally arise from
conditions beyond their personal control. Religious and cultural control are a significant barrier
for many women. Education and access to contraceptives lies with governments of developing
countries who may not have the resources or knowledge to provide effective solutions.
30 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Tracts. Retrieved May 18, 2016, from

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/birth-control
31 Kington, T., & Quinn, B. (2010). Pope Benedict says that condoms can be used to stop the
spread of HIV. Retrieved May 18, 2016, from
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/21/pope-benedict-condoms-hiv-infection
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Logic of Evil
The term logic of evil can be defined as the justification of a harmful act using apparently
rational reasons. In the case of global population, there is a general consensus amongst experts
that overpopulation is a problem and efforts need to be made to mitigate the problem. Part of the
solution is to cap, or decrease our global population. Despite current awareness of the problem,
there are institutions, governments and religious belief systems that seek to undermine
population reduction efforts.
An increasing population is perceived to be a necessity for strong economic growth.
Population growth leads to positive outcomes such as improved military defence, an increase in
the labour market and economic prosperity. Large populations attract investment in a countrys
economy32, an opportunity that most countries are not willing to forego. A countrys overall
economic health is often cited as a justification for promoting population growth as well as a
countrys cultural norms.
A large labour market benefits companies, industries and economies. This may provide incentive
for countries to increase their own population to achieve a large labour market to help boost their
economy and stimulate business.
Large populations often prompt investors to invest in companies. As the population of a
country grows, so does its demand for products and services. This allows many companies to
thrive producing clothes, food, housing and other products. Conversely, when a countrys
population declines, the opposite occurs and economies tend to be negatively impacted.
In Japan, where the population is currently declining, per capita incomes have risen only
very slowly, government debt is enormous and deflation is endemic.33 Japan is experiencing a
population decline that is expected to continue for the next thirty years. Japans population
decline has caused many issues for this nation. Fewer companies have chosen to invest in this
32 Benedict, T. (2014, September 20). Positive and Negative Effects of Over
Population - Self-Help Archive. Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
http://selfhelparchive.com/positive-and-negative-effects-of-over-population/
33 A, R. (2010, December 23). Growth is good. Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2010/12/population
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country due to the slow population growth. This has affected employment, incomes and the tax
base.
A large population helps secure a large military force. China's People's Liberation Army is the
world's largest military force, with 2.3 million personnel.34 China is leading the world in the field
of military strength and it is due to their large population of almost 1.4 billion. Chinas Peoples
Liberation Army currently has around 2.3 million military personnel representing only 0.17% of
the population. Canada by comparison has only 66 000 active military personnel representing
0.18% of its population.35
Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic sister and missionary, is viewed by many to be a
woman of knowledge and is quite inspirational to some people. Her anti-abortion and anticontraception opinions may lead to many women feeling guilty about using contraceptives or
potentially aborting their unborn child. Despite the fact that they may not be financially or
emotionally capable of raising a child, this guilt may cause many unprepared women to continue
their pregnancy thus contributing to the problem of overpopulation. When discussing abortions
many people consider the idea of killing an unborn child to be a criminal offense.36
While many countries around the world are attempting to decrease their populations in
response to poverty, hunger, disease, environmental deterioration and deforestation, other
countries are putting measures in place to increase their populations, in some cases dramatically.
While there are no good precedents for the negative effects of a declining global population,
there are concerns that it may lead to global financial disaster.
34 Makinen, J. (2015, September 02). China's military: How strong is the People's
Liberation Army? Retrieved March 08, 2016, from
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-military-pla-q-and-a-20150902story.html
35 Unknown, A. (n.d.). China Military Strength. Retrieved March 09, 2016, from
http://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.asp?
country_id=china
36 Unknown, A. (2015, May 14). 10 Reasons: Why Abortion is wrong? (Infographic).
Retrieved March 09, 2016, from http://www.abortionno.org/10-reasons-why-abortionis-wrong/
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A growing population is perceived to drive knowledge, new inventions and increased per
capita production. The prosperity of a country is linked to the increase in its population.
Historically, areas with a declining population have experienced economic decline.37 In almost all
cases where population is declining, youth is the most depleted group. This leads to a smaller
work force and smaller tax base.38
In 2013, twenty percent of governments worldwide had policies to increase the rate of
population growth in their own countries.39
Measures adopted by Iran, Singapore and Germany are presented in the following
paragraphs as examples of efforts to increase population growth. Other countries, particularly in
Europe are also adopting measures to combat population decline in their countries.
Iran
The government of Iran introduced draft legislation in March of 2016 aimed at boosting a
declining birth rate. The goal of the legislation is to double Irans population to 150 million in
fifty years, and is an alarmed response to Irans aging population and concern that the population
growth rate could fall to zero within thirty years. The first bill in the new legislation is aimed at
restricting access to birth control. Other measures introduced by the legislation will close many
jobs to women who choose not to, or are unable to have children, give employment priority to
men and women with children, ban voluntary sterilization and discontinue state subsidies for
37 Last, J. V. (2006, December 15). Population Decline Is Bad For Us. Retrieved April
04, 2016, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/population-decline-is-bad-for-us/
38 Wong, V. (2016). World's Fastest-Shrinking Countries: Populations in decline.
Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
http://www.bloomberg.com/ss/10/08/0813_fastest_shrinking_countries/
39
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/policy/WPP201
3/Chapters/j_Ch_2 Population Size Growth and Age
Structure.pdf#zoom=100.Chapter 2: Population Size Growth and Age Structure
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contraceptives. Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the human rights abuses
that will be brought about by this legislation.40
Singapore
Until approximately 1986, Singapore had in place incentives to decrease its average birth
rate in an effort to control population growth. In 1986, in response to concerns over its low birth
rate of 1.44 children per woman, it put measures in place to increase its birth rate. Incentives
included tax rebates and subsidies for large families, and public relations campaigns to promote
the joys of having children.41
Singapores birth rate is currently at 0.78 children per woman. Singapore is using ad
campaigns to try to convince couples to have more children. Singapores Urban Development
Authority has placed limits on the number of one bedroom apartments that can be constructed in
an effort to coerce its citizens into adopting a married lifestyle with children. It also offers a
$15 000 incentive per child, tax breaks and an extended maternity leave.42
Germany
The population of Germany is approximately eighty-two million and is on a decline,
expected to decrease to seventy million by 2050. For the past forty years the German birth rate
has remained constant at approximately 1.4 children per woman. The German government has
taken numerous steps to attempt to increase its birth rate, including subsidies for parents, tax
incentives and an expansion of its national daycare service. A report prepared by the German
Federal Institute for Population Research indicates that these measures have had no effect.
40 Unknown, A. (2015, March 11). Iran women being reduced to 'baby-making

machines': Amnesty. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/11/iran-women-being-reduced-babymaking-machines-amnesty.html
41 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Singapore - Population Control Policies. Retrieved April 04,
2016, from http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-11807.html
42 McRobbie, L. (n.d.). 5 Creative Ways Countries Tried to Up Their Birth Rates.
Retrieved April 04, 2016, from http://mentalfloss.com/article/33485/5-creative-wayscountries-tried-their-birth-rates
OVERPOPULATION
21
Careers, hobbies and social life have become more important than family, children are no longer
viewed as a source of happiness, and the social status of parenthood is declining.43
There are many forces opposing global efforts to reduce global population, most using
the rationale of the benefits of economic growth and the potential disaster of economic decline.
Other forces include cultural and religious dogma and military considerations. Clearly it has
become necessary to change harmful cultural and religious practices and to devise a means of
creating economic prosperity while decreasing population.
43 Unknown, A. (2012, December 18). Baby Blues: German Efforts to Improve

Birthrate a Failure - SPIEGEL ONLINE. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/study-german-efforts-to-increasebirthrate-a-failure-a-873635.html
OVERPOPULATION
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Case Studies
Several countries have, or are currently facing population challenges. Three countries;
China, Indonesia and India have been selected for case studies. Each case study details the crises
that the country is facing, and efforts to reduce the problems caused by overpopulation.
China
China is an excellent example of overpopulation. China is the most populated country in the
world with approximately 1.4 billion people and houses nineteen percent of the Earths total
population. Though China is a very large country physically, many of its people live on the
eastern side leading to very overpopulated cities. The population of the coastal regions can be
upwards of 400 people per square kilometre, in contrast the mountainous and farming regions
which can have as few as ten people per square kilometre.44
China is experiencing significant negative effects of overpopulation such as starvation, pollution,
unsafe living conditions and depletion of natural resources. China has recognised its problems
and has put regulations in place in hopes to diminish the population. One such attempt was made
by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979 with the one child policy. This policy was meant to be
temporary but lasted until 2015. This policy allowed Chinese families to have only one child in
hopes that, by controlling family planning, the extreme overpopulation might cease. The
specifics of the one child policy enforcement have changed over time but the intentions have
remained the same.45 The goal was to reduce the population to 1.2 billion by the year 2000. The
hope of the policy was that third and higher order births would be completely eliminated and
only thirty percent of couples would undergo a second birth. The Chinese were encouraged to
limit their families to one child for the sake of a better future. The Chinese public were often
encouraged to have a one child family through financial incentives and preferential access to
housing, health services and schools. If a couple failed to follow this new law, fines would be
issued corresponding to the number of excess children, and sanctions were applied which could
44 Unknown, A. (2014, February 13). Overpopulation in China. Retrieved April 03,
2016, from http://www.codewit.com/asia-pacific/15717-overpopulation-in-china
45 Hull T. Recent population policy in China. Canberra: Australian International
Development Assistance Bureau; 1991. (Development paper 2.)
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23
include social pressures leading to a reduction in career prospects for those working in a
government job. These measures varied depending in which province one resided.46
Chinas brutal enforcement laws regarding population lead to unethical acts enforced by
the Chinese government. If a woman was pregnant with a baby not approved by the Chinese
government, abortion was mandatory. To avoid the risk of unapproved children, sterilization was
forced upon women and the punishment for non-compliance was severe. If a woman had a child
that was born out of plan, she would face fines sometimes five or ten times the familys annual
income. If unable to pay these fines, personal property would be confiscated from the home.
Televisions, which were worth a years income were often taken, as well as other important items
such as washing machines, bicycles and tables. Often these bicycles were the villagers only
means of transportation, and by ceasing to own a bicycle, they could be pushed further into
poverty.
Huang, a government worker responsible for convincing women to become sterilized
after their second birth, thought of these actions not as coercion, but rather persuasion. Many
women feared the sterilization procedure that they faced, and with good reason. One common
side effect was excessive bleeding. This was to be expected given the manner in which these
procedures were done. The surgical method was not usually clean, safe or professional. Many
women would bargain and asked to use barrier contraceptives in place of sterilization promising
to not have too many children. People like Huang felt that it was his goal to have all women
sterilized and that a promise was not a guarantee.47
I was 24, and we had heard of a woman pregnant with an out-of-plan baby who had run away
to a neighboring village. So we made preparations to catch her at night. I got together a team
of six or seven people. We surrounded the house. We were very quiet, but I dont know,
somehow she must have heard something maybe voices because she ran. I dont know
46 Feng G, Hao L. A summary of family planning regulations for 28 regions in China
[in Chinese] Pop Res. 1992;4:28
47 Fong, M. (2016, January 03). Sterilization, abortion, fines: How China brutally
enforced its 1-child policy. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
http://nypost.com/2016/01/03/how-chinas-pregnancy-police-brutally-enforced-theone-child-policy/
OVERPOPULATION
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[how many months along she was], but she looked pretty big. She ran and ran and ran until
she came to a pond. Then she ran in, until the water was at her neck. She stood there and
began to cry. She said a lot of things. She said she needed to have this baby. She would never
have any peace, and her husband and her mother-in-law would never treat her well, until she
had a son. Finally, two women officials waded in and took her away.48
Shen Hongxia is another case of enforced sterilization techniques. Shen was a woman who died
after having a forced sterilization in March of 2013. Her doctor had advised her not to be
sterilized but nevertheless, local Family Planning Officers sterilized her forcibly to prevent an
illegal pregnancy.49 Many events just like this one happened all over China, and in 1983 alone
approximately twenty million women were sterilized.50
Countries such as the United States expressed their disapproval of Chinas inhumane methods
and China soon implemented the daughter-only-household policy which allowed families
living in the rural parts of China to have two children given the first born was a girl.51
Figure 4 in the Appendix shows historical and projected fertility rates in China from 1950 to
2015, and projections to the year 2100.
49 Littlejohn, R. (2013, April 08). China: Woman Dies After Forced Sterilization.
Retrieved April 03, 2016, from http://www.womensrightswithoutfrontiers.org/blog/?
p=1010
51 Cook, J. (1999, December 05). Population Control and Consequences in China.
http://maps.unomaha.edu/peterson/funda/sidebar/chinapop.html
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There was a steep decline in fertility rate (children per woman) from 1960 to
approximately 2000. The fertility rate dropped from 6.3 to 1.5 children per woman in this
period. Since 2000, fertility has remained relatively constant at 1.5 to 1.6 children per woman.
Projections to the year 2100 suggest the fertility rate will remain below the 2.0 children per
woman at least until 2100.
Despite fertility rates being below the replacement rate of 2.0 children per woman, Figure
5 shows a continued population growth reaching approximately 1.4 billion in 2025, then
declining slowly to 1 billion in 2100. Fertility rate and population growth rate are trending in a
beneficial direction, however China will need to plan for an additional 200 million people in the
coming decades.
Today this one child policy has been discontinued. In October of 2015, China abandoned
its controversial one-child policy and is now allowing couples to have two children. This
decision was instrumental to ending the biggest population control experiment in human history.
The move came after the Communist Party leadership met and reflected on concern over possible
labour shortages and an aging population that would put great strain on the economy in coming
years.52
Indonesia
The Republic of Indonesia is an island country located in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Indonesia consists of more than thirteen thousand islands with more than half of its 255 million
citizens living on the island of Java. Indonesia has the worlds fourth largest population, and has
a land area of approximately 1.9 million square kilometres. Indonesia is a Muslim majority
country.53
52 Denyer, S. (2015, October 29). China lifts one-child policy amid worries over
graying population. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-lifts-one-child-policyamid-worries-of-graying-population/2015/10/29/207fc0e6-7e2b-11e5-beba927fd8634498_story.html
53 Indonesia. (2016, May 6). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:15,
May 8, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Indonesia&oldid=718898775
OVERPOPULATION
26
Sixty percent of Indonesians live in rural areas with farming as their main occupation.
Approximately fourteen percent of rural people are classified as poor, compared to 8.2 percent in
urban centres. Approximately forty percent of Indonesians live just above the national poverty
line. Indonesian women have less education, earn less than men, are subjected to discrimination
and are excluded from decision making at the household and community levels. Ethnic minority
groups are more likely to live in poverty.54
Indonesias population has experienced a steady increase from approximately seventy
million in 1950 to its current population of 255 million. Past population trends are presented in
Figure 6 in the Appendix.
There has been global awareness since the early 1990s that Indonesia is facing an
overpopulation issue. Indonesia has always had high fertility rates but in the 1980s there was a
significant decline from earlier years. The graph of total fertility (Figure 7) shows a rate of over
5.5 children per woman in the 1950s, with a steep decline through the 1980s and 1990s. By the
year 2000, the total fertility dropped to 2.5 children per woman and currently sits at 2.4 children
per woman. United Nations projections have the total fertility rate dropping below the
replacement rate of 2.0 children per woman in approximately 2040.
The population growth rate dropped from 2.2 percent (1975-1980) to 2.0 percent by the
year 1990. In 1968 the birth rate was 48.8 babies per 1 000 people but by 1990 that number had
decreased to only twenty-nine births yearly per 1 000 people. The goal of twenty-two births per
thousand people in the year 1991 was not met. Despite this failure, the results achieved were
quite impressive given a country the size of Indonesia. The National Family Planning
Coordinating Agency provided programs which had a huge effect in places such as Java, Bali,
and in urban areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan even with the cutbacks in funding. The success of
programs such as this seemed to be closely linked to the improvement of womens education,
their new tendency to delay marriages and the emerging awareness and use of contraceptives.
The reason behind Indonesias declining fertility rates in the 1990s is not well
understood. Though the population of the poor decreased in the 1970s and 1980s, many other
issues such as malnutrition, landlessness, and economic and social inequality increased for many
54 IFAD. (2012). Rural Poverty Portal. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/indonesia
OVERPOPULATION
27
people living in the rural parts of Indonesia. Despite Indonesias poor having a lack of social and
economic improvement, education, easy availability of birth control measures and more mobile
family structures may have been the reason for Indonesias change.55
Although the population growth rate of Indonesia has gone through periods of decline,
the population continues to grow. Indonesias population reached 195.7 million in 1992
accompanied by a growth rate of 1.7 percent as estimated by the United States. The growth of
the population has put great social pressures on land use, the education system and other social
resources partly as a result of a dramatic rise in urbanization and population mobility. The
population is expected to double by the year 2025. Even if programs put forward in the early
1990s exceed expectations and every Indonesian mother only had two children, Indonesias
population is still young and large numbers of women are only reaching the child bearing age
now. A young population will likely ensure that overpopulation will continue to be a concern
through our current century. By the year 2025, the population projections predict the population
to grow to 285 million.
Indonesias situation is not as dire as other developing nations. Indonesia has initiated
some of the worlds most ambitious programs dedicated to controlling overpopulation problems.
A national birth control program and a relocation program were started in the country. The
Transmigration Program relocated 730 000 Indonesian families to underpopulated regions of the
country.
The problem of overpopulation has been most drastic among the peasants in Indonesias
rural areas and in large cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan. In the year 1980,
the islands in Indonesia: Java, Madura, and Bali comprised 6.9 percent of the nations total land
area but housed 63.6 percent of the Indonesian population. These three major islands had a
population density five times the densest parts of the outer islands at 500 people per square
kilometre. The islands were not able to support the growing population and the problem became
obvious in 1992. Although agriculture had allowed for this rise in the labour force, many
residents of Java, Bali, and Madura who were poor began leaving their local regions and heading
to other places to find opportunity.
55 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Indonesia - Population. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from
http://countrystudies.us/indonesia/32.htm
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28
Some land reform attempts to improve peasants lots were made but abandoned for
political and social reasons. These reform attempts occurred in multiple areas of Java due to the
riots and massacres after the supposed communist coup attempt of 1965. People looking to
reform were wary when raising the issue of land redistribution as they might be labelled
communists.56
United Nations projections shown in the graph in Figure 6 show the median variant
population peaking in approximately 2070 at 325 million.
India
The Republic of India is located in South Asia, bounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian
Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It shares borders with Pakistan to the west and China, Nepal,
Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh to the east. India is the worlds seventh largest country by
area, and houses the worlds second largest population next to China. With a current population
of 1.32 billion, it is the worlds largest democracy.57
In the early 1800s under British governance, Indias population was growing at a rate of
approximately 0.6 percent per year, slightly lower than the worldwide average. The British,
however promoted the idea that Indias population was growing substantially and attributed this
supposed growth rate to an improved quality of life under British management. The large
population was declared by Britain to be a sign of prosperity. This belief in prosperity and
improved quality of life changed somewhat in the mid and late 1800s due to a series of famines.
Recurring famines strongly suggested that India was a resource poor country and not able to
sustain a large population. The British took the position that famines were caused by population
growth, a sign of good governance. The British position was based on the idea that
improvements in health care decreased death rates and allowed the population to increase
56 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Indonesia - Population. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from
57 India. (2016, May 8). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:29, May
8, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=India&oldid=719202909
OVERPOPULATION
29
rapidly. The occurrences of famines were not a cause for alarm however. Followers of the
Malthusian philosophy, believed that famines imposed natural limits on population size and
would prevent a population from growing too large. Malthusians were of the opinion that there
should be minimal intervention and famine relief. Policies were put in place to discourage the
lower class from seeking famine relief with the hopes that this would prevent them from
reproducing. The famines could be expected to kill off members of the lower class and the rest of
India would be better off in the long run. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, when India
was facing the threat of population decline as a result of famine, the British blamed the Indians
for failing to control population growth.
In the late nineteenth century Indian intellectuals argued that the problem in India was not
overpopulation, but under-production as a result of British colonialism and mismanagement.
Through the 1920s, Indias population grew at approximately one percent per year, which
increased dramatically to two percent per year by the 1950s.58
In 1943, the Bengal famine killed approximately 1.5 million people by starvation, and
another two million due to epidemics.59 The famine was a result of crop failures in 1942,
continued exports of rice from the Bengal province and the refusal of British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill to allow emergency food supplies to enter the province.60
Figure 8 in the Appendix presents Indias population from 1950 to present, with a
projection to 2100. In 1950, the population of India reached 376 million. From 1950 to present
the population has grown rapidly with the greatest growth rate occurring from 1950 to
approximately 2000. During the 1950s some minor efforts were made to reduce Indias
58 Sreenivas, M. (2016). Population Bomb? The debate over Indian Population |
Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://origins.osu.edu/article/population-bomb-debate-over-indianpopulation.Published by The Ohio State University
59 Timeline of major famines in India during British rule. (2016, April 15). In
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:41, May 8, 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Timeline_of_major_famines_in_India_during_British_rule&oldid=715377687
60 Great Bengal Famine of 1943. (2015, October 30). Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Great_Bengal_Famine_of_1943
OVERPOPULATION
30
population growth rate but more attention was given to increasing agricultural production. This
plan had some success as agricultural production in 1966 was 1.5 times the production in 1951.
During that same period however, Indias population increased nearly 1.5 times. A drought in
1966-7 caused the Bihar famine. The death toll from the Bihar famine was much less that the
Bengal famine but the issue of growing population regained importance once again.61
In the late 1960s changes to agricultural practices again increased food production which
help solved the problem of famine. The problem of overpopulation arose again in the 1970s,
however this time overpopulation in India was perceived by other countries as a global threat
since the Indians could seek resources from other countries.
In the 1970s the government of Indira Ghandi took steps to curb population growth.
Cash payments were made to men and women who accepted long-term contraception and
voluntary sterilization. The lower class were disproportionately targeted for birth control
measures. In many cases basic needs were withheld in an effort to coerce citizens to comply. As
in other countries where population control strategies have been implemented at various times,
human rights abuses dominated the strategies.62
During the 1980s and 1990s, interest in population control again dwindled. In the 1990s
attention was again focused on increasing production. In the 1990s, India successfully entered
the Information Technology (IT) industry. Since that time the IT sector has become an important
and fast growing industry for India. India has become the worlds largest sourcing destination
for IT services, accounting for approximately sixty-seven percent of the $125 billion USD
market. The industry has transformed Indias economy and placed India in a prominent position
in the global economy.63
61 Famine in India. (2016, May 1). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved
15:49, May 8, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Famine_in_India&oldid=718069136
63 India Brand Equity Foundation. (2016). Login. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://www.ibef.org/industry/information-technology-india.aspx
OVERPOPULATION
31
Indias relatively young population and large skilled workforce has given it an economic
advantage over aging populations in developed countries. Indias Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) increased from 189.6 billion USD in 1980 to 1.859 trillion USD in 2012, a tenfold
increase.64
Despite a rapidly growing GDP, as of 2013, poverty was still pervasive in rural areas of
India where seventy percent of its population lives. Fifty percent of Indians lack proper shelter,
seventy percent do not have access to proper toilets, and thirty-five percent of households do not
have access to a nearby supply of freshwater. Efforts are now being focused on income
redistribution to diminish inequality.65
Indias population is currently approximately 1.3 billion. United Nations projections
estimate that the population will reach a maximum of approximately 1.75 billion by 2065, and
will begin a decline after that. Refer to Figure 8 in the Appendix.
A graph of Total Fertility (children per woman) in Figure 9 shows a steep decline in
fertility from approximately 5.8 in 1960 to 2.5 at present. The fertility rate is projected to decline
to the replacement rate of two children per woman by 2040. Indias projected continued
population growth rate is a result of the fertility rate being above 2.0 and the relatively young
population as compared to developed countries. These two factors ensure the population will
continue to grow for several decades.
Developed countries are still concerned about the size of Indias population and its
growing claim on the worlds resources.66 With a growing population, demand for energy will
increase as will pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Indias growing population, coupled
with its growing economy, is perceived to be a threat to the economies of other countries.
64 The World Bank Group. (2016). India. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://data.worldbank.org/country/india
65 Poverties. (2013, June). Poverty in India: Causes, Effects, Injustice & Exclusion.
Retrieved May 08, 2016, from http://www.poverties.org/poverty-in-india.html
OVERPOPULATION
32
Indias energy consumption doubled from 2000 quadrillion BTUs in 2003 to 4000
quadrillion BTUs in 2011. As of 2011, Indias per capita energy consumption was lower than
developed counties such as the United States, however, India was the fourth largest consumer in
the world behind the United States, China and Russia. Coal, an environmentally unfavourable
energy source is Indias primary source of energy.67
In 2015 Indias per capita energy use was 0.7 Tonnes of Oil Equivalent, as compared to
Canada and the USA with energy uses of 7.6 and 7.3 Tonnes of Oil Equivalent respectively.68 As
Indias population and its economy grow, per capita energy use can be expected to increase. If
per capita energy consumption in India reaches values in the USA by 2065, then India, with a
projected population of 1.75 billion will be consuming 12.8 billion Tonnes of Oil Equivalent per
year. In comparison, the USA currently consumes 2.3 Billion Tonnes of Oil Equivalent per year.
The global pollution effects of coal burning are of concern especially in anticipation of
the population being thirty-five percent larger in 2065 than in 2015. Burning coal contributes to
greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Indias economic strategy that focuses on Information Technology is perceived to be
harming the US economy as outsourcing has caused the loss of American jobs to India. India has
been accused of using predatory trade practices to secure American jobs.69 Indias negative
effect on the economies of developed countries is likely to be more pronounced as Indias
population grows over the next 5 decades.
Historically, overpopulation in India has been a problem at least partially attributable to
interference by the British, and has been a problem of too few resources as much as an excess of
67 U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2013, April 1). U.S. Energy Information
Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis. Retrieved May 08, 2016,
from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10611
68 Economist Intelligence Unit. (2012). Statoil - Energy Realities - Energy
consumption. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://www.energyrealities.org/sustainability/per-capita-energy-consumption/
69 James Moreland. (2014, May 11). India Is Also a Threat to the U.S. Economy |
Economy in Crisis. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://economyincrisis.org/content/india-is-also-a-threat-to-the-u-seconomy.Published by Economy In Crisis
OVERPOPULATION
33
people. Overpopulation in India has been a global concern since the beginning of British
colonialism. Despite the significant increase in GDP and a decline in population growth rate, the
imbalance of population and resources is still a problem in rural India. Efforts to redistribute
income to the rural poor may ease poverty in these areas, and with that, it can be expected that
the birth rate in India will decline as it has in other areas of the globe. Overpopulation in India is
still perceived as a problem by other countries as it may have an unfavourable effect on the
global economy, the availability of resources, and the degradation of the environment.
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34
International Organizations
Developing countries typically lack the resources, expertise and political will to solve
their own overpopulation problems. In most cases, where progress has been made in addressing
overpopulation, international organizations have played a significant role, and will continue to do
so for the foreseeable future.
Care International
Care is an international organization dedicated to ending poverty worldwide, and has
recently assumed a role in population control in developing countries. Care was founded at the
end of World War II by several charitable, civic, labour and religious organizations, to provide
relief for people in need in Europe. The organization subsequently expanded its program to
provide health care, nutrition, sanitation and potable water in South Africa, South Asia and South
America. In the 1990s Care recognised that poverty is often due to absence of rights and
opportunities, and to discrimination and marginalization. By 2007 it recognised that
empowering women is the key to ending poverty. Care has fourteen member countries including
Canada, and in 2014 worked in ninety countries around the world supporting humanitarian and
development projects that assist seventy-two million people. Care operates by providing
economic opportunity, delivering relief in emergencies, influencing policy decisions at all levels
and by addressing discrimination in all its forms.
In 2013 Care International participated in the London Family Planning Summit (FP2020)
aimed at ensuring that 120 million women in the developing world would have access to family
planning services and information by 2020.70
By 2014, one of the partners in FP2020, The International Planned Parenthood Federation
provided family planning services to fifteen million new users.71
70 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Home Page | Care International. Retrieved April 03, 2016,
from http://www.care-international.org/
71 Unknown, A. (2016, January 24). 80 Commitment Makers. 1 Movement. Retrieved
April 03, 2016, from http://www.familyplanning2020.org/commitments
OVERPOPULATION
35
In 2014 Care developed a program intended to empower women economically and

advocate for policy changes worldwide where women are concerned. As part of their focus on
women and girls, Care has produced documentaries, and organized community and government
events and conferences. In India, they have launched a campaign called She Means Business
to raise awareness about the rights of women in the workplace.
In 2014, Care reached over thirty-six million women and men with information and
access to reproductive and family planning services.72
Family Planning 2020 (FP2020)
FP2020 is a global movement that supports the right of women and girls to have the
number of children they want, when they want. FP2020 is the outcome of the 2012 London
Summit on Family Planning73 and is an extension of the 2010 G8 Muskoka Summit and the UN
Secretary Generals Every Woman Every Child initiative.
The summit was held in response to the observation that there are over seventy-five
million unintended pregnancies every year in the developing world. Over 200 million women
and girls in developing countries want to avoid or delay pregnancy but do not have basic
knowledge of family planning or access to contraceptives. There are sixty-nine countries who
will benefit from the plan.
The principles of FP2020 are protection of human rights for women and girls, health care
for women and children, access to voluntary contraceptives and an equal role in government,
policy, the economy and education.
72 Martens, R. (n.d.). Fighting Povery by Empowering Women and Girls in the

Poorest Comunities Around thw World. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
http://www.care-international.org/files/files/publications/CARE-International-AnnualReport-2014.pdf
73 Unknown, A. (n.d.). FP2020 works with governments, civil society, multilateral
organizations, donors, the private sector, and the research and development
community to enable 120 million more women and girls to use contraceptives by
2020. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
http://www.familyplanning2020.org/microsite/about-us
OVERPOPULATION
36
Recognised barriers to contraceptive use include insufficient political commitment,

inconsistent funding, cultural barriers, weak supply chains, high prices and insufficient
investment in research and development.74
Private Sector Supporters of FP2020
In support of the FP2020 program several private sector companies have committed to
making a contribution. Merck, a pharmaceutical company, has committed to reducing the price
of its Implanon contraceptive implants to FP2020 countries until 2023. From May 2013 to
November 2015, the number of implants provided to the FP2020 countries doubled.
Pfizer, another pharmaceutical company, has committed to selling its single dose
injectable Sayana Press contraceptive for $1 USD to FP2020 countries. With financial aid from
various other charities, the product can be offered to women in FP2020 countries at a very small,
or zero cost.
Bayer Healthcare has committed to donating eighty-four million in financial aid over a
five year period. Bayer has also committed to increasing contraceptive awareness worldwide,
and to providing medically accurate information on reproduction and birth control.75
The Performance Monitoring and Evidence Working Group of the FP2020 is responsible
for monitoring the progress of the plan to contribute to understanding, and to support future
decision making. In 2015, three years after the start of FP2020, 290.6 million women and girls
in the FP2020 countries were using contraceptives. This was up from 266 million in 2012, and is
above the historic trajectory of 284 million. The goal for 2015 was 300.5 million, so the current
usage of 290.6 million falls short of the goal by 10.1 million. FP2020 recognises that increased
efforts are required to reach the 2020 goal.
74 Unknown, A. (2012, July 11). London Summit on Family Planning July 11, 2012.
Retrieved April 3, 2016, from http://ec2-54-210-230-186.compute1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/London-Summit-FamilyPlanningOverview_V1-14June.pdf
75 Unknown, A. (2016, January 24). 80 Commitment Makers. 1 Movement. Retrieved
April 03, 2016, from http://www.familyplanning2020.org/commitments
OVERPOPULATION
37
Other Organizations
A number of other organizations exist for the purpose of promoting awareness of
overpopulation and influencing policy decisions worldwide.
Population Matter is a UK based organization whose goal it is to increase awareness of
the social, economic and environmental benefits of a smaller population. It seeks to improve
understanding of decision makers on population issues, promote womens rights, commission
research and influence policy makers worldwide.
The Animal Welfare Institute is one such organization and their concerns are based
around the decline of wildlife populations due to human overpopulation.76
World Population Balance is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate the public
about the problems of overpopulation using conference and multi-media presentations. Their
message appears to be mainly targeted at people living in developed countries, who they believe
should voluntarily limit their family to one child.77
76 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Human Overpopulation. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from

https://awionline.org/content/human-overpopulation
77 Burton, J. (n.d.). World Population Balance. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from
http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/
OVERPOPULATION
38
Canada
When it comes to overpopulation in Canada, many would oppose the issue as Canada has
an extremely low population density of 3.6 people per square kilometre. With about thirty-six
million people living in Canada, this population puts Canada thirty-seventh in the world in
regards to population size.
During the past 160 years, the Canadian population has been greatly affected by
immigration and within the past ten years has had a growth rate just above one percent. This
growth rate placed Canada with the fastest growth rate of any of the G8 countries (Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) in 2015.
A net outflow of migrants marked five decades within that 160 years: the latter four
decades of the19th century (1861 -1901) and the 1930s (1931-1941). The growth of the Canadian
population during these periods was completely due to natural increase. The natural increase was
sufficient and more than able to counteract emigration. Between 1861 and 1901, Canada
experienced a few waves of European immigration but starting in 1880, many immigrants from
Asia began entering Canada to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Though there was a wave of
new people to Canada, many people, primarily from Eastern Canada, left the nation to settle in
the United States of America. The justification for this mass of people to leave Canada was the
long depression which spanned from 1873 to 1896, the many economic attractions the US held,
and the lack of farmland. The immigration from Europe and Asia combined with the emigration
from Canada to the United States resulted in the fertility of Canadian women to be the only
factor contributing to the growth of the Canadian population at this time.
Migratory increase was negative during the 1930s as Canadas immigration began to slow due to
the social and economic situations brought on by the Great Depression which started in 1929.
The number of immigrants coming into Canada declined substantially from an average of 123
000 a year in the 1920s to 16 000 in the 1930s. As well, natural increase was at its historic
lowest. Fertility dropped below three children per woman.
There were two periods in history that were marked with strong natural increase as well
as migratory increase for Canada: 1901 to 1911 and 1941 to 1961. During the early 1900s a large
number of immigrants settled in Canada and populated the West. From 1901 to 1911, around 1.2
OVERPOPULATION
39
million immigrants came to Canada mainly from Europe. Along with this, women in Canada
were averaging around five children as fertility was high. The period of time from 1941 to 1961
was another point in which the fertility rate of Canadian women was high. This was a result of
the post second world war baby boom. The baby boom lasted until the mid-1960s and was the
reason for a rise in natural increase. The average woman in 1937 had 2.6 children and the fertility
rate rose to 3.9 children per woman in the 1950s which was a rate not experienced since the
beginning of the 1900s.
Another factor was that immigration into Canada began to replenish itself after the
Second World War and was extremely high during the 1950s. Canada received more than
282
000 immigrants due to the Hungarian and Suez crises in 1957, resulting in very high migratory
rates in the 1950s.
Natural increase was a main factor in Canadas population growth between 1851 and
2001. However, the portion of Canadas growth due to natural increase has decreased since the
late 1960s. Starting in 2001, natural increase has accounted for only thirty-three percent of
population growth. This was caused by declining fertility rates starting as early as the 1960s.
The number of births has remained at a constant level just below 400 000 per year since
the middle of the 1970s, a result of comparably low fertility of between 1.5 to 1.7 children per
woman.
Another factor contributing to the low natural increase rate, is the rising death rate in
Canada. A large proportion of Canada was aging. Many Canadians were, and still are, a part of
the senior population where mortality is higher.
As a result of natural increase decreasing, migratory increase has become a more
important factor in the growing Canadian population. Many population projections used in
Statistics Canada show that natural increase is expected to decrease in the decades to come due
to an estimated increase in the number of deaths. In 2026 as the first of the baby boomers are
entering their eightieth year and mortality is high, the natural increase will decrease significantly.
OVERPOPULATION
40
Projections for the Canadian population indicate that in 2031 migratory increase will
comprise eighty percent of Canadas total population growth compared to only sixty-eight
percent currently. Canadas population growth could be close to zero within twenty years.78
Population Institute Canada (PIC) is an organization concerned with overpopulation in
Canada. PIC is of the opinion that while Canada is not yet overpopulated, it is approaching the
point of overshoot, a term that describes a situation where a population grows beyond its
carrying capacity of its land due to short term resources that cannot be maintained in the long
term. PIC is of the opinion that Canada needs to reduce its population to levels that are
economically and environmentally sustainable in the long term.
According to PIC, Canada is widely perceived to be a very sparsely populated country
given our population density of 3.6 people per square kilometer. This density however is
misleading. Most of Canadas land area is largely uninhabitable due to harsh climate and
inaccessible landscape. Most of Canadas arable lands are located in the south, which is why
most Canadians live within 160 km of the US border. Only seven percent of Canadas land area
is suitable for agriculture and only 0.5 % is classified as Class 1 agricultural land with no
significant limitations for agriculture. Most of this land is located directly adjacent to highly
populated urban areas and is being lost to urbanization, driven by immigration. Canada has
seven percent of the worlds fresh water, but a significant portion of this flows to the north
leaving it inaccessible. Fresh water located in the south is becoming increasingly polluted and
degraded by invasive species. Freshwater shortages in the USA and other countries raise the
concern that freshwater may soon be exported from Canada. The Committee of the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada warns that 645 wildlife species in Canada are currently
endangered. Policies that promote immigration without concern for the environment, result in a
current high population growth rate of 1.2% annually. Without the effect of immigration
policies, Canadas population would have stabilized below thirty million people. Federal and
provincial governments, notably Quebecs, although unsuccessful, continue to offer incentives to
increase the fertility rate with the goal of increasing the rate of natural population growth. PIC is
78 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Statistics Canada. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-310-x/98-310x2011003_1-eng.cfm)
OVERPOPULATION
41
of the opinion that Canada should encourage smaller families and limit immigration to match the
number of people leaving the country.79
Like other developed countries around the world, Canada has played a role in efforts to
control population growth worldwide. One such organization is Action Canada for Sexual
Health and Rights. Action Canada for Sexual Health Rights works both locally and globally.
Globally, Action Canada works to insure increasing action by governments and human rights
organizations to advance reproductive rights policies.
79 Population Institute Canada. (n.d.). Our Canada. Retrieved May 08, 2016, from
http://www.populationinstitutecanada.ca/about-us/our-canada/
OVERPOPULATION
42
Solutions
In many parts of the world, the social norms, poor economic conditions, lack of contraceptives
and lack of effective family planning causes families to have more children than they can care
for. There is consensus among world population experts that when efforts are made to improve
human living circumstances in a country, those improvements lead to economic improvements
which in turn leads to a decrease in a countrys birth rate. Families living above the extreme
poverty line have fewer children than those living in extreme poverty. The solution to
overpopulation ultimately lies with human development.
The increase in world population growth over the past two centuries is a result of
declining mortality. During this period the decline in mortality in developing countries has
typically not been accompanied by a declining fertility rate. This is because developing
countries have not seen enough improvement in social structure, economic growth or cultural
practices.
In some countries many young people are moving from rural areas to cites, leaving a
senior population in the rural areas. This makes economic development difficult in the rural
locations. The migration of skilled workers to other countries also has negative effects on
economic development.80
The United Nations continues to have a major role in efforts to control the global
population growth. The United Nations World Population Plan of Action was adopted by the
World Population Conference in 1974. This conference was the first intergovernmental
conference on population. The Plan of Action is based, in part, on the following principles which
indicate that social, economic and cultural development are at the root of population control:
(a) The principal aim of social, economic and cultural development, of which population goals
and policies are integral parts, is to improve levels of living and the quality of life of the people.
(b) Co-operation among nations on the basis of national sovereignty is essential for development.
80Unknown, A. (n.d.). World Population Plan of Action. Retrieved April 02, 2016,
from http://www.un.org/popin/icpd/conference/bkg/wppa.html
OVERPOPULATION
43
(c) Population and development are interrelated: population variables influence development
variables and are also influenced by them.
(d) Women have the right to complete integration in the development process particularly by
means of an equal access to education and equal participation in social, economic cultural and
political life.
(f) Encourage appropriate education concerning responsible parenthood and make available to
persons who so desire advice and the means of achieving it
(g) The reduction of infant and child mortality, particularly by means of improved nutrition,
sanitation, maternal and child health care, and maternal education;
(h)The establishment of an appropriate lower limit for age at marriage. 81
Other principles generally include equal status for men and women, urban planning to facilitate
migration to cities to prevent slums and unemployment, mitigating the effect of emigration of
trained workers from developing countries, data collection and the use of statistical analyses, and
engaging the international community.
The United Nations World Population Plan of Action states: The plan of action is
intended to be comprehensive and to avoid the sectorial measures and isolated population control
measures that have been unsuccessful in the past. The plan will focus on economic development,
quality of life, and basic human freedoms and rights. 82
In 1984 the United Nations held the International Conference on Population. The
conference endorsed most aspects of the 1974 Plan of Action and added to the plan in order to
integrate the latest research findings.83
81 Unknown, A. (n.d.). World Population Plan of Action. Retrieved April 02, 2016,
OVERPOPULATION
44
In 1994, a report prepared for the United Nations entitled Human Development Report
1994 indicates that between 1960 and 1992 all developing countries made substantial
improvement in the Human Development Index (HDI). The number of countries with a low
development index decreased from seventy-six to forty-two, and the number of countries with a
high development index increased from sixteen to forty.
In 1994 the General Assembly of The United Nations adopted the key actions for the
further implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on
Population and Development.84
In 1994, a new Programme of Action was adopted by the United Nations International
Conference of Population and Development. The Programme of action was intended as a guide
to policy and action for a twenty year period. This plan differed from previous plans in that it
recognised the relationship between population and development instead of attempting to meet
demographic goals.85
The basic principles of the Programme of action are similar to the 1974 Plan of Action
but have been expanded in some areas. Human rights are more prominent, particularly the rights
of girls and women to control their own fertility, to not be subjected to violence or discrimination
and to have equal representation at all levels from local to international. Sustainable
development and sustained economic growth is one of the guiding principles. Physical and
mental health and the importance of protecting families and children are also principles. The
report states that There is general agreement that persistent widespread poverty as well as
83 Unknown, A. (n.d.). United Nations Population Division | Department of Economic

and Social Affairs. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/events/conference/index.shtml
84 Unknown, A. (n.d.). A/CONF.171/13: Report of the ICPD (94/10/18) (385k).
http://www.un.org/popin/icpd/conference/offeng/poa.html
85 Unknown, A. (n.d.). United Nations Population Division | Department of Economic
and Social Affairs. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
OVERPOPULATION
45
serious social and gender inequities have significant influences on, and are in turn influenced by,
demographic parameters such as population growth, structure and distribution.86
The United Nations General Assembly 21st Special Session was held in 1999. This
special session was convened at the five year anniversary of adoption of the 1994 Programme of
Action to review and assess the efficacy of the implementation of the program. A report from the
session states:
The five-year review of progress shows that the implementation of the recommendations of the
Programme of Action has shown positive results. Many countries have taken steps to integrate
population concerns into their development strategies. Mortality in most countries has continued
to fall in the five years since the adoption of the Programme of Action. The Conference's broadbased definition of reproductive health is being accepted by an increasing number of countries
and steps are being taken to provide comprehensive services in many countries, with increasing
emphasis being given to quality of care. The rising use of family planning methods indicates that
there is greater accessibility to family planning and that more and more couples and individuals
are able to choose the number and spacing of their children. 87
Replacement Rate
The concept of Replacement Rate is important to understanding population growth.
Replacement rate is the rate in which women have to give birth to sustain the population at a
constant number. In industrialized countries the total fertility rate to achieve the replacement
level is close to 2.0 children per woman. In developing countries the rate ranges from 2.5 to 3.3
as a result of infant mortality. Globally the replacement rate is currently 2.33 children per
woman. When the fertility rate of an area is lower than its replacement rate, the population
86 Osotimehin, B. (2014). Programme of Action. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
http://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/programme_of_action_Web
ENGLISH.pdf
87 Unknown, A. (n.d.). ODS -Sdoc. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N99/773/47/PDF/N9977347.pdf?
OpenElement
OVERPOPULATION
46
decreases, and when it is above the replacement rate the population increases. When the birth
rate is at the replacement rate, the population will remain constant.
Overpopulation is linked to extreme poverty and can be cured by eliminating extreme
poverty. The United Nations has recently announced a plan to eradicate extreme poverty in
fifteen years. The Gapminder Foundation demonstrates why the plan is likely to succeed. Much
of the research at the Gapminder Foundation focuses on world population and poverty. Hans
Rosling of the Gapminder Foundation says the most urgent reason for ending poverty is
population growth. Families who live in extreme poverty have on average five children per
woman, and despite a forty percent infant mortality rate (children who die before the age of five)
in some poor countries, the poor tend to have more children surviving to the age of reproduction.
There are currently about one billion people in the world living in extreme poverty (an income of
less than $1.25 per day). Those above the $1.25 per day extreme poverty line have on average
two children per woman. This is independent of culture and religion.
Already there is a global downward trend in the percentage of people living in extreme
poverty. The number of people worldwide who live in extreme poverty has decreased since 1950
and is currently about one billion people (refer to Figure 11 in the Appendix). Extreme poverty
decrease has mainly occurred in Africa and Asia. Hans Rosling, a statistician at the Gapminder
Foundation has used statistical methods to predict that the world will reach a population of
approximately ten billion by the year 2050, at which point the total fertility rate will match the
replacement rate globally and the population will assume a steady state and cease to grow
further. It is a certainty that the global population will reach ten billion. It cannot be stopped so
we must plan for it.
Rosling distinguishes between the concepts of relative poverty and extreme poverty.
Relative poverty is a condition in which a persons income is less than one half of his countrys
median individual income. Relative poverty measures inequality. Extreme poverty is defined as
earning $1.25 USD or less per day per person. Those who live above the extreme poverty line,
though they may still live in relative poverty and are quite poor in comparison to developed
countries citizens, have approximately two children per woman. In some countries such as
Malawi, the majority of the country lives in extreme poverty below the $1.25 USD per person
income level.
OVERPOPULATION
47
Most third world countries are on a trajectory toward health and prosperity. In 1800 an
estimated eighty-five percent of the world lived in conditions of extreme poverty. Rosling points
out that extreme poverty as a percentage of population has been on the decline since the 1800s
and has decreased at an increasing rate through most of the 1900s and 2000s. He points to the
trend as strong evidence that extreme poverty can be eliminated in fifteen years, and along with
it, zero population growth.
Further demonstrating the trend in improvement in human development, Rosling cites
some examples: eighty percent of households worldwide have electricity, eighty-three percent of
people worldwide are vaccinated against measles, and ninety percent of girls of school age are
attending primary school.
Historically, countries that have invested heavily in human development have
subsequently experienced economic growth, bringing most of its citizens out of extreme poverty.
This is the basis for Roslings prediction that extreme poverty can be eliminated by 2030. Human
development depends on education, health services, living conditions, hygiene, food,
vaccination, government protecting those in need, social welfare, better roads to improve rural
life and the education of women. Improvements in these measures of human development, as
measured by infant mortality rates, precede economic development and economic development
then proceeds quite rapidly. The mechanisms behind this process are complex but analysis of the
data suggests that the process has been repeated numerous times in countries that have
experienced significant economic development.88
In their World Population Plan of Action (1974), the United Nations indicates that
sustained reductions in fertility have generally been preceded by reductions in mortality.
Although this relationship is complex, mortality reduction may be a prerequisite to a decline in
fertility.89
Many people living in extreme poverty rely on crops grown by their family to survive.
However, food supplies can run out before the next harvest season undermining any attempts to
88 Rosling, H. (n.d.). Dont Panic - End Poverty. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
http://www.gapminder.org/videos/dont-panic-end-poverty/
OVERPOPULATION
48
improve the quality of life. A reliable food supply is necessary for these poor rural people to
achieve economic improvement. Access to water for crops, such as a small stream diversion,
helps the rural poor to produce more food. The ability of farmers to borrow money also
increases the amount of crops they can produce. When more food is produced, farmers can sell
their excess for profit providing that markets for trading are available. Clean water, electricity,
and basic transportation such as bicycles and scooters are all necessary for economic
development.
Families that are just out of extreme poverty can fall back into extreme poverty as a result
of illness or injury. Proper medical care and economic support for families experiencing
temporary hardship can prevent this. Since private enterprise and governments of poor countries
do not have enough money to fund these human development measures, international programs
need to be put in place. Targeted international aid is key to human development, eliminating
extreme poverty and thereby halting population growth. Aid must be targeted at those who are
still living below the $1.25 per day income level without putting those just above the extreme
poverty line at risk of falling back into extreme poverty. China and Mexico among other
countries are receiving $300 per capita in international aid and can likely support themselves at
this time according to Rosling. In some cases they are even providing aid to other countries.
Although many people live in relative poverty in China and Mexico, there are very few in these
countries who are living in extreme poverty and having the associated large families. The
poorest countries, where most of the population are living in extreme poverty are receiving only
$100 per capita in international aid. In these countries the remote areas experience the most
extreme poverty. Rosling suggests redistributing foreign aid in a manner that reaches the most
extreme poor, particularly in rural areas, while avoiding putting the higher earners at risk.
Once out of extreme poverty, people only need access to contraceptives and education
about family planning in order to control the number of children they have.
Since most of the population growth will occur in developing countries where most of its
citizens live in extreme poverty, extreme poverty must be ended swiftly, and can be done so in
one generation.90
90 Rosling, H. (n.d.). Dont Panic - End Poverty. Retrieved April 04, 2016, from
OVERPOPULATION
49
Because of the high percentage of young people in developing countries, even if the birth
rate decreased to the replacement rate of approximately two children per woman, the worlds
population will continue to increase for several decade before it levels out. This is why it is
important to focus efforts on economic development immediately.91
Part of the solution to overpopulation lies with efforts to maintain or even decrease the
population of developed countries in a manner that addresses the concerns posed by decreasing
and aging populations. Many Governments are currently introducing mandatory fully funded
pension schemes, increasing the statutory retirement age, eliminating incentives for early
retirement, reducing benefits and encouraging more women to enter the labour force. Of 189
countries for which data is available, sixty-one have changed their statutory retirement age and
eighty-nine have reformed their pension system. Forty-seven of the governments changed both
the retirement age and reformed their pension system.92
92 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2013, December 26). World
Population Policies 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2016, from
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/policy/WPP2013/Chapte
rs/j_Ch_2 Population Size Growth and Age Structure.pdf#zoom=100.Chapter 2: Population
Size Growth and Age Structure
OVERPOPULATION
50
Conclusions
The population growth rate of the world has been decreasing since approximately 1985,
however the worlds population has continued to grow during this time and is expected to
continue to grow to a maximum of 11.2 million in 2100. The best case scenario has the
population peaking at around ten billion. It is a certainty that the world population will reach at
least 10 billion even if the fertility rate were to drop to 2.0 children per woman in the next fifteen
years. We must plan for the inevitability of ten billion people on the planet.
Population growth is linked inextricably to extreme poverty which is in turn related to
human development. There is a general consensus among experts that improvements in human
development free the poor from extreme poverty. Once out of extreme poverty, the average
fertility rate drops to the replacement rate of 2.0 children per woman. When total fertility
reaches the replacement rate the population eventually stops growing. At the root of human
development is the education and empowerment of woman, which forms the basis of current
efforts to control population growth.
It is clear that efforts of governments and international organizations have had a positive
effect on slowing the rate of growth of the world population, however the United Nations
recognises that goals have not been met in most cases and efforts must be increased if the worlds
population is to be limited to 11.2 million.
As human development and economies improve in developing countries with growing
populations, it can be expected that the per capita resource consumption and global resource
consumption will increase dramatically over the coming decades. Environmental degradation,
pollution, water shortages, greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion are problems that
must be addressed immediately in anticipation.
Solutions must be found to the anticipated economic problems caused by declining and
aging populations in developed countries. Efforts to keep economies viable by increasing birth
rates could potentially undermine efforts to reduce the global population.
A reduction in per capita resource consumption, and a reduction in activities leading to
environmental deterioration are part of the solution to overpopulation.
OVERPOPULATION
51
Efforts made by the global community have had a favourable effect on population growth
worldwide, and it is hopeful that continued efforts will ensure a sustainable future.
OVERPOPULATION
52
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CAUSES, EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS

9 Unknown, A. (2010, August 12). Sustainability and Water of WOA!! - World

The spread of diseases is another concern related to deforestation. Many species of

14 Boyd, B. (2010). Is There Room for Me? A Study of Overpopulation. Retrieved

16 Haberman, C. (2015, May 31). The Unrealized Horrors of Population Explosion.

Projected Population Trends

24 Malhotra, A. (2012, February). Women's Demand for Reproductive Control:

26 World Health Organization. (2015, May). Family planning/Contraception. Retrieved May

30 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Tracts. Retrieved May 18, 2016, from

40 Unknown, A. (2015, March 11). Iran women being reduced to 'baby-making

43 Unknown, A. (2012, December 18). Baby Blues: German Efforts to Improve

In 2014 Care developed a program intended to empower women economically and

72 Martens, R. (n.d.). Fighting Povery by Empowering Women and Girls in the

Recognised barriers to contraceptive use include insufficient political commitment,

76 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Human Overpopulation. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from

78 Unknown, A. (n.d.). Statistics Canada. Retrieved April 05, 2016, from

83 Unknown, A. (n.d.). United Nations Population Division | Department of Economic

Thefreedictionary, A. (n.d.). Overpopulation. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from

Wong, V. (2016). World's Fastest-Shrinking Countries: Populations in decline. Retrieved April

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