To:  "New York Times" <letters@nytimes.com>
Re:  Europe's declining birth rate is a blessing - not a problem!
Date: Fri 27 December 2002

 

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Dear Sir/Madam,

Why is Europe’s natural drop in birth rate seen in such a negative light, when in China the most draconian and undemocratic measures have been necessary to enforce a reduction?!

Western Europe is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. It’s a godsend that it’s population is set to decline naturally. In my view, half the number of people we have today would be just fine, and help us with the vital, but criminally neglected, task of achieving sustainability on our finite and vulnerable planet, Spaceship Earth, before we wreck it completely. 

The social, economic and cultural adjustments it will entail, surely, is what we have our large brains for. But Homo economicus (ratus) is incapable of seeing things this way, since it would mean an older, smaller work force and – even worse – a smaller market . . !

 

Persistent Drop in Fertility Reshapes Europe's Future, December 26, 2002