Another step they proposed was to stabilize, and eventually reduce, the world’s population. That’s because having one fewer child, according to research from 2017, each year saves 58.6 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent from being created. That’s 25 times more than the carbon dioxide created by a car every year... and 293 times more than what’s saved by recycling. And, not surprisingly, children born in less-developed countries are responsible for a tiny fraction of what’s generated by developed-world kids. Why No Growth Is Good, Reason No. 3: THE ‘FORGOTTEN CONTINENT’ EMERGES In terms of positive working-age demographics, Africa is about where much of Asia was around 1970 – just before the massive Asian Tiger boom that fueled the growth of what’s today the most economically vibrant region in the world. And more broadly, one of the very few demographic bright spots in the world is Sub-Saharan Africa. The region’s population is expected to triple by 2100 – to more than 3 billion. That would be slightly more than
one-third of total global population at that point. For generations, Africa has been an economic afterthought on the global stage. If economic and demographic growth flattens elsewhere, Africa may be one of the few sources of real growth. And one result would be billions of Africans – finally – enjoying the prosperity that’s evaded the continent for so long. The shift to a no-growth world won’t be easy. The must-grow mentality won’t go easily. But if – when – it does, the world, and Mother Earth, may be better for it. _____ The shift to a no-growth world won’t be easy. The must-grow mentality won’t go easily. But if – when – it does, the world, and Mother Earth, may be better for it.
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American Consequences
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