[Computer Hobbyist]

when I was in college, a lifetime ago, we studied the same overpopulation material and explored the same theories. Some claimed that religion played a role in overpopulation. They pointed to the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, on close inspection, we discovered that the Republic of Ireland (a Catholic country) had one of the lowest rates of reproduction in the world. Why, well, on even closer inspection we discovered that the folks in Ireland were not following what the Church preached. Instead they were delaying reproduction and reducing family size in response to what they individually perceived to be their own self-interests.

On the other hand we studied India. At the time the country was heavily into reducing population through family planning. They were not as successful as they hoped, even though poll after poll showed the average citizen was aware of the need to reduce family size and generally supported the government's programs. Why? Citizens thought family planning was a great idea for the country as a whole, but a bad idea for them personnally. They perceived a personal economic value in having a large family.

Until we eliminate the economic system of subsistence farming that has served mankind well and still dominates the lives of the vast majority of the people in the world, family farmers will continue to see the need for large families. Everything starts with changing how people make a living. In two or three generations the average family size will drop to sustainable levels.

What I am trying to say is that overpopulation is a world and national problem but reproduction is an individual/family activity. You have to change what the individual wants to do.

By the way, why the rapid increase in population? Well, that is a direct result of first world medicine being delivered to the third world. In the old days if a farmer had eight to ten kids only 2 or 3 might grow up to reproduce. That all changed with modern medicine.

CH