Could smaller families 'rewild' the planet — and make humans happier?
Summary
The article discusses the trend of families around the world having fewer children, which some believe could help restore natural habitats and address environmental issues. It highlights opinions from environmental advocates like John Davis, who argue smaller families can lead to reduced consumption and benefit the planet. This trend is part of a larger global shift where countries are experiencing declining birth rates and aging populations.Key Facts
- John Davis, linked with the Rewilding Institute, decided not to have children to support environmental goals.
- Many families in the U.S. and around the world are having fewer children.
- This shift is part of NPR's series called "Population Shift: How Smaller Families Are Changing the World."
- Essex County in New York has lost about 6% of its population since 2010.
- Advocates like Davis believe smaller families can reduce consumption and help restore natural habitats.
- The global population has more than doubled since the 1970s, now exceeding 8 billion.
- Family size has dropped significantly, from about five children per woman on average in the 1970s to roughly two today.
- Many industrialized countries, including the U.S., have birth rates below the level needed to maintain their population sizes.
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