What could we do to prevent the PLANET from being OVERPOPULATED?

Answer 1

Kill off a certain percent of the current population (unethical). Colonize another planet (unfeasible- for this day and age). So really the only alternative is to curb the population growth. It's already becoming a trend of developed countries (US, Japan, most European countries). In developed countries, people tend to view children more as economic assets as opposed to required workhands on the family farm as many do in undeveloped countries. They then don't have as many children. That's why most developed countries have either a slow population growth, no population growth, or even a negative population growth (Italy and Japan are two examples). Of course, this can't be done everywhere, because there are some areas of the world that need the workhands to provide the food and materials necessary for those people to continue living.

Long story short- it's a very complicated situation.

Answer 2

Over population tends to be a bigger problem in 2nd and 3rd world countries. One proven and humane way to curtail the amount of babies a woman has in her life time is through education and I don't mean showing her how to use a condom, though that is no doubt helpful.

The more time women as a whole spend in school the later in life she has her children, the longer she waits the less children she has. Therefore in an area in Africa where women get a 2nd grade education, if the same women go up to their equiv lent of high school that alone will make a huge difference in the amount of children in the next generation.

Also big families are popular in agricultural societies, because they need the extra hands to grow the food. So the more advanced the society the less children. The US has a huge population but since most families has 1 or 2 kids that's a zero population growth. Japan actually has a negative population growth. In order for a couple to contribute to growing the population, they have to have more than two kids.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

There are a lot of very good Demographers and Sociologist trying to answer this very question. A few people have touched on very important key aspect...Education!! More importantly, what we need is time. There are some countries that have entered into the Second demographic transition in as short amount of time as ten years but this is rare. Governments, like the US need to remember that fertility decisions are often based on hundereds upon thousands of years of culture and tradition and it takes time to ellicit change. Often developed countries will start programs in less developed countries and expect immediate returns on their aid and an immediate drop in fertility. Also, it must be recognized that different programs are going to work in different ways. Those coming in implementing fertility policies must understand and respect those they are working with to make the policy work for them. Us westerners often forget that sex is still quite taboo in other areas of the world.

Another thing...the US isn't doing so hot itself. Did you know that some research report that 25-40% of pregnancies in the US are unwanted? And, of all developed countries the US has the fewest number of teens and young adults practicing safe sex and/or birth control?

Answer 4

Family Planning!

Answer 5

Start by taking care of the children we have in this world....

There seems to be more and more couples who are unable to have children of their own - and I feel for them - but as a sinlge mother who never intended to have children -

I would rather put my child up for adoption than abort - let a wanting and caring couple adopt my unborn child....

And for the same couples - and the children in orphanages who have no family to love them - instead of In-V-Tro - Why not adopt on of those loving and deserving children - give them something good in life, show them people care....

Even as a single mother of one - I have a 3 bedroom house, and I am considering adopting a child (age optional) just to be able to give to someone the love my daughter and I have to give freely.
Someone who is less fortunate as far as family and friends.... We have a world full of love and life and expirience to offer.... Its an option will we discuss in another year or so, when she can put her two cents worth - it is my daughters family too, not just mine and I intend to have her involved the whole step of the way.

Answer 6

I think that China has done a great job with putting a quota for children per family. We have some people that have child after child just to get more welfare. And those children learn that it is ok and they do the same. I think breeding quotas are a great thing

Answer 7

well we wouldn't be over populated if we didn't arrest Dr. Govorkian, i think that's how it's spelled.....uh, tell the people to use safe sex and use condoms, capture rapist, there is alot of things we could do...

life is a preciousc thing, most people want to overpopulate, but that just increases world hunger...

Answer 8

Stop pro-creating. It's a little too late since we have already pretty much made it where there is only 1/4 acre per person in the world and unless we all die off or stop procreating, its gonna keep happening.

Answer 9

Sterilization

Answer 10

1 family 1 child. If every couple had one kid, in a generation the population would even out drastically.