DailyDirt: Dealing With Zero (Or Negative) Population Growth

Pessimistic economists have predicted overpopulation problems based on exponential growth trends, but statistics point to lower birth rates as countries become more industrialized. So now, there's a different kind of problem -- aging populations and minimal population growth in certain countries. How will we deal with people living longer and having fewer and fewer kids?

• China has officially ended its "one child" policy, allowing its citizens to have up to two kids. An estimated 400 million babies "avoided conception" since 1979, but now that the Chinese population is skewing older, more 25-64yo workers will be needed. However, the social norm of having only one child might be more difficult to reverse than simply lifting a ban. [url]
• The Government of Singapore has been trying to encourage its citizens to have more kids for many years, partnering with ad agencies to create some goofy campaigns. A few years ago, on "National Night" (Aug 9th), Singaporeans were called upon to perform their civic duty... and make some babies. (The government has also tried tax incentives, paid maternity leave, and programs to help singles develop long-term relationships.) [url]
• Denmark also has an aging population problem -- and a goofy ad campaign to "do it for mom" to get people to think about making grandkids. The country is even throwing in a vacation package discount because statistics show that couples tend to have kids after romantic, exotic getaways. [url]

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