With the world population at 7.048 billion and counting (as on 27 October 2012), we have to ask the question, Just how long will the earth be able to support humanity if the population continues to grow at its current rate? - It is predicted that the world population will cross the 10 billion mark in the next 50 years.
Most of you reading this article would have experienced the joys of Living in this beautifully diverse country. Unfortunately for us South Africa’s reputation and beauty is tarnished by ridiculously high crime, unemployment and poverty levels which can (to a certain extent) all be directly linked to overpopulation, with only crime perhaps a bit of a ‘grey area’. - According to The 2011 census the South African population stands at 51.8 million, having increased by roughly 7 million since 2001.
But how do we fight overpopulation, are there even real solutions out there, Should we simply accept these issues that we have become accustomed to? OR have we in South Africa perhaps reached a point where Government should consider implementing regulations to forcefully slow down the birth rate?
We could waste another couple of years by subtly approaching this issue but in the end unforced or unregulated methods will prove useless. I say this mainly because I have learnt from my time on this planet that humanity/society is sure to disappoint, I will be the first to acknowledge the amazing feats we’ve achieved, the endless discoveries and inventions but despite all the progress there will always be a bunch of lunatics who, to this day, openly oppose knowledge, equality, freedom of speech, open mindedness or choice.
What I would suggest to Government is a policy inspired by China’s one child policy. The one child policy was implemented in 1979 in an attempt to slow down population growth and enforce ‘family planning’, it allowed one child per married urban couple with exemptions on twins, rural couples, ethnic minorities and parents without any siblings themselves. It must be noted that only about 35% of the Chinese population are subjected to the policy, despite this, the policy is said to have prevented 100 million births between 1979 and 2009. The principle of the policy was to fine anyone who exceeds the prescribed limit of one child, forcing them to be more cautious and consider abortion in cases of unplanned pregnancies. (Almost 40% of all pregnancies worldwide are determined to be unplanned)
The South African version of this policy would have a similar starting point, limiting all couples (not necessarily married – as marriage is a dying institution) to one child. If a second child is conceived, an abortion will be recommended. Subsequent to the birth of a second child the ‘responsible’ parents will be fined monthly (Almost like a bit of extra tax) and state-funded sterilization will be provided for both individuals.
The above suggestion is a mere summary of some thoughts I have on the topic and is open to constructive criticism as I would like to work toward forming an acceptable proposal that, once in the right hands, would be seriously considered.
In the meantime it’ll benefit you to realise Procreation is simply becoming too selfish an act to be logically justified! Before rendering this a ridiculous statement, bear with me, other than natural childbirth being synonymous to enduring physical torture. There are about 2 million orphans in SA alone, if you really have the need to love/raise a child, you surely aren’t short of options.
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