Global Ethics Corner: The Challenge of Population Growth

Jul 15, 2011

World population may hit 10.1 billion by the year 2100. Are population issues individual choices or are they fundamental concerns of public policy? How aggressively should policy intervene?

Headlines proclaim, "World population forecast to surge."

Any response may plunge us into polar debates between pro-life and pro-choice forces. These shouting matches mask a fundamental question: are population concerns a matter of public policy or personal choice?

Countries like Italy, Japan, and Taiwan have population growth rates well below replacement numbers, and have passed policies promoting larger families.

Policies can also be implemented which try to restrain population growth.

Of course, population decisions are also highly individual decisions about procreation and family.

Justin Gillis and Celia Dugger report in the International Herald Tribune, "The population of the world, long expected to stabilize at just more than nine billion in the middle of the century, will instead keep growing and may hit 10.1 billion by the year 2100..."

More people and improved living standards put immense strains on resources. Regional conflicts occur. Social inequality intensifies between and within countries.

Even assuming enough food, water, energy, and raw materials to sustain ten billion people, what is the likely quality of life for the poorest billions?
The control of population by some ethical means might be a matter of public policy for international organizations, donors, and countries facing population explosions. But Gillis and Dugger point out that population policy often stagnates in ideological debate.

What do you think? Are population issues fundamental concerns of public policy? How aggressively should policy intervene?

By William Vocke

For more information see:

Justin Gillis and Celia W. Dugger, "World population forecast to surge," International Herald Tribune, May 5, 2011, p. 4.

Photo Credits in order of Appearance:

Ahron de Leeuw
Dave Herholz
Wrote
LonelyBob
Yakiim Sem
Yoshikazu TSUNO
Devon Holllahan
Aacool
Emmanuel DYAN
Shawn
Hdptcar
Sisasola

You may also like

JUL 17, 2025 Article

Helvetas USA Signs Model International Mobility Convention, Underscoring Practical Pathways for Rights-Based Migration

Helvetas USA CEO Christian Steiner has signed the MIMC, marking a significant step in reaffirming the organization’s commitment to a cooperative global mobility approach.

JUL 15, 2025 Podcast

Investing in Your Ethical Infrastructure, with Simon Longstaff

The Ethics Centre's Simon Longstaff discusses the power of moral inquiry, performative vs. good-faith engagement, and how ethics can help to address global challenges.

Scene from Mountainhead. CREDIT: HBO

JUL 11, 2025 Article

Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"

This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation