Reducing World Population Growth
Growing at the expense of the planet
Nothing is going to change, unless we are prepared to make changes. The current world population growth is unsustainable and so how can this be addressed without causing pain and suffering to those most at risk? It is already apparent that many families are under stress, both financially and in how they see the future for their children and the expectations for their well being and happiness. We are too focussed on growing the economy and a government is not seen to be doing it’s job unless we are.
Incentives to Control Growth
We already have more debt in the world than can possibly be repaid and are leaving future generations to sort out the mess we are creating. If properly managed, this does not have to happen. We need to be thinking of a sustainable world and how we can achieve it.
I propose that in the advanced economies this can be achieved by reducing the population size by the means of incentives.
The governments must look at the social costs, such as health and education and how much it costs the government to look after the disadvantaged. We are already spending vast amounts of the country’s wealth on protecting the majority from the very small minority. Incentives to reduce the load on governments should include consideration to taxing those whose actions will inevitably lead to more support from the government. This does not include the disadvantaged who through no fault of their own need support.
The tax incentives could help reduce the population whilst providing governments with the necessary funds to support the social welfare of the country.
All superannuation to be invested with the reserve bank.
No super to be taken as a lump sum at retirement, but as a pension based on contributions and interest earned.
Incentives to couples in the form of tax breaks for those choosing not to have children.
Incentives such as:
Choosing not to have children, income taxed at 20%
Choosing to have one child, income taxed at 30%
Choosing to have two children, income taxed at 35%
These figures are just an idea of how the revenue could be raised to pay for all the services that are required and to cover the cost of looking after the disadvantaged.
Incentives for Developing Countries
We have great existing frameworks throughout the world of organisations that are helping developing countries covering:
Education
Health
Sustainable work practices
Environmental sustainability
Growth
Job creation
Agricultural development
Water management
Power generation.
Like the developed world there need to be incentives for the developing countries to manage their population within sustainable levels.
Incentives could be provided to the existing population that gives them hope for a better life, so that they do not feel that they have to migrate from their homeland.
Emerging nations must be given hope that the world will stand by them to help them develop their countries in a sustainable way, which would include a sustainable population.
Often the political situation in all countries makes this very difficult and a way has to be found to fund the necessary programmes to ensure incentives and investments are directed to the right places.
Contribute to this conversation
Simply share or leave a constructive comment below.
Please note that comments are moderated and will appear once approved.