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Human Population

Since the 1960s, scientists, economists and sociologists have been debating the Maltusian theory that human population will outgrow the availability of planetary resources. This debate was fostered by the exponential growth of global population in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the population situation has reversed as global fertility rates (average total # births /female) dropped more than 50% from 1960-2015. Some nations are now experiencing declining populations (e.g. Japan) and many have declining fertility rates. The U.S. is barely growing at less than 1%/year, due to a fertility rate of only 1.64 births/female in 2020. It seems that the very low birth rates are the result of numerous factors, including: 1) conscious ethical decisions to delay marriage and reproduction due to socioeconomic factors and fear of the future (e.g. climate change); 2) reproductive problems stemming from low sperm counts and sexual abnormalities in men, possibly due to endocrine-disrupting pollutants; and 3) the economic, reproductive and politocal emancipation of women. Stabilization of the human population, especially in developed countries, would be a huge benefit to the planet considering that the current population (7.87 billion people) is using the equivalent of 1.6x the earth's renewable resources each year, an unsustainable level of consumption.

Sources: Vox, 1/5/22; The Guardian, 2/26/21; 11/9/21

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Steve Spigarelli

EcoFaith Network NE MN Team
First Lutheran Church, Aitkin, MN

Northeastern Minnesota Synod

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