Births in Japan hit record low as government warns crisis at ‘critical state’
GuardianFEB 29 2024
Study: Global Fertility Rates to Plunge by 2100
Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Nations of varying demographics and economic ranks will not be able to avoid the consequences if these trends are allowed to continue. Lower-income countries must offer better access to contraceptives and female education, and wealthier nations must prioritize policies that support a robust social security system and open immigration to maintain population size and economic growth. Otherwise, the world will be in deep trouble.
Narrative B
Lower fertility rates don't pose an existential threat to the planet because a shrinking population could alleviate strain on global resources and reduce carbon emissions. These studies tend to over sensationalize the socio-economic consequences of slow fertility rates, which can lead to more restrictions on women's rights to contraception and to pursue education and work over having a family. There's no fertility crisis just yet.