The population problem

Science has just published a special issue on "the opportunities and challenges created by demographic changes around the world."

Some of the articles are free while others might (wink, wink) be found on Google Scholar or by visiting the websites of the authors who wrote them.

JUSTIN GILLIS of The New York Times has a great little review of an article by Wolfgang Lutz and Samir KC. I like this article because rather than proposing morally reprehensible solutions like billions must die or restricitng the reproductive rights women, the authors present evidence that educating people (and especially women) can significantly curb worldwide population growth.

Justin wrote:

The paper offered the most convincing calculation I have seen of just how much the population curve could be bent by a more intensive global attack on the problem. If schools could be built and children educated at a rapid clip in all fast-growing countries, the global population in 2050 would hit 8.8 billion, the demographers projected.

Under a far more pessimistic scenario in which education lags, the population in that year would likely approach 10 billion, they found.