There is no magic ‘carrying capacity’ number, except perhaps a couple hundred million before mechanized society and fossil fuels. And those times were far from pretty.
And synthetic fixed nitrogen is not isotopically different in some meaningful way. And even if it was, that isn’t damaging anything.
“ Soil-derived nitrate and fertilizer nitrate usually have overlapping compositions, preventing their separation using 15N alone.”
- death (giving birth is more dangerous than birth control or abortion)
- financial insecurity (can you get a job if you lose your co-parent?)
- hopelessness (many women don't want to bring a child into a world with existential issues like climate change)
And there are many more. Not a single one was addressed by this tweet.
Miss often than not, I see it framed as an economic problem needing more economic solutions. This article hit the nail on the head. It is also a socio-cultural problem. And social cultural solutions work far better than purely economic solutions.
the pendulum swings regardless. And clearly is picking up momentum back that direction.
Children were historically used as slaves and retirement plans. As economies become more advanced, families need less of both of those things.
So a major economic benefit of having kids is gone and women are more afraid of the risks.
Telling someone "X was worse in the past" doesn't make them suddenly stop worrying about it.
The other factors may be, and would therefore be more of a causitive factor eh?
That's not the case anymore.
that’s the actual truth, yes.
but the recent shift in decisions also has consequences, and the western world in particular is struggling with those consequences.
mytailorisrich•6mo ago
Of course the problem there is that our whole economic system and thinking relies on an ever growing population. We have reached the limit of that on this planet but it is easier to refuse to accept it than to face the challenge head on.
more_corn•6mo ago
I’m not arguing overpopulation or carrying capacity. I’m simply pointing out the economic side.
mytailorisrich•6mo ago
Some sectors will be hit. For instance real estate because obviously overall demand will fall. So you may no longer sell your house at a profit... small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.
Growth has to be seems per capita, not overall. It is possible to have a decreasing population while people keep getting better off individually.
I would argue that we don't have much of a choice, anyway, as the enrlvironment will collapse and/or we will live dystopian lives if we keep growing the population (and probable even if the population stays at current levels).