Aging Human Populations: Good for Us, Good for the Earth. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Götmark, Frank; Cafaro, Philip; O'Sullivan, Jane
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 33:Number 11(2018)
• Page Start: 851
• Page End: 862
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: aging -- population growth -- overpopulation -- sustainability -- economy -- pensions -- biodiversity -- de-growth -- limits; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.08.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : As the nations of the world grapple with the task of creating sustainable societies, ending and in some cases reversing population growth will be necessary to succeed. Yet stable or declining populations are typically reported in the media as a problem, or even a crisis, due to demographic aging. This is misguided, as economic analyses show that the costs connected with aging societies are manageable, while the economic, social, and environmental benefits of smaller populations are substantial. Earth's human-carrying capacity has been exceeded; hence, population growth must end and aging societies are unavoidable. They should be embraced as part of a just and prosperous future for people and the other species with whom we share our planet. Highlights: Despite ongoing social and environmental crises driven by human population increase, public concern has instead focused on demographic aging as the greater challenge, even suggesting that population growth should be rekindled to combat it. The economic and demographic literatures suggest that the problems associated with aging societies are both overstated and manageable, whereas trying to avoid aging by boosting births or immigration is relatively ineffective and creates even greater problems. A range of social, economic, and environmental benefits are associated with older age profiles and stable or declining populations, which more than compensate for any economic imposts to support the elderly. Ecologists should study and communicate the negative impacts of human population growth and excessive population density and should not be deterred by misguided economic arguments favoring continued population growth.