4 ms·

This is a good illustration. People should look at it not only from their personal POV, but in terms of general policies regarding population size... There are

by adask 8y ago

This is a good illustration. People should look at it not only from their personal POV, but in terms of general policies regarding population size... There are parts of the world (for example, Africa) where population has been increasing ridiculously fast for decades and the estimates are that this will continue. A lot of this is thanks to the financial support from the West. When there's news that the population of Japan is decreasing people talk about it as if it's a catastrophe. But Japan is very densely populated right now and I think they'll be fine either way (maybe some short term economic struggles, but they won't go extinct). These topics can be politically taboo, but they shouldn't be. These issues are too important and long term effects can be catastrophic for the environment and the general quality of life on Earth.

rekado 8y ago
> There are parts of the world (for example, Africa) where population has been increasing ridiculously [...] Africa is big, so it's a very coarse way of narrowing down a location. Population pressure is a multiplier, so people in poor countries with few cars and a diet that does not depend on cross-country transport of food have a smaller impact on environment than fewer people accustomed to a more expensive life style. > When there's news that the population of Japan is decreasing people talk about it as if it's a catastrophe. An aging or decreasing population can be a catastrophe, but not because of environmental effects; the concerns are of a social nature, as a shrinking population usually means a reduction in essential services. The one child policy that was active for years in China has left a characteristic mark on the demographics, leading to a small population of young people supporting a large population of old people.

4 ms·

This is a good illustration. People should look at it not only from their personal POV, but in terms of general policies regarding population size... There are

by adask 8y ago

rekado 8y ago
> There are parts of the world (for example, Africa) where population has been increasing ridiculously [...] Africa is big, so it's a very coarse way of narrowing down a location. Population pressure is a multiplier, so people in poor countries with few cars and a diet that does not depend on cross-country transport of food have a smaller impact on environment than fewer people accustomed to a more expensive life style. > When there's news that the population of Japan is decreasing people talk about it as if it's a catastrophe. An aging or decreasing population can be a catastrophe, but not because of environmental effects; the concerns are of a social nature, as a shrinking population usually means a reduction in essential services. The one child policy that was active for years in China has left a characteristic mark on the demographics, leading to a small population of young people supporting a large population of old people.