1.6 is the lowest since fertility rate since rates were tracked starting in 1800.
Claims that the world is becoming ‘overpopulated’ have been in the zeitgeist for decades, but it’s a lack of new babies that really concerns experts in developed countries.
The U.S. will likely remain an attractive destination for immigrants. The US Census said that immigration now accounts for the majority of population growth in the U.S., and will account for 100% of the population growth within 20 years. However, dozens of countries say they will import immigrants to address their own low fertility rate issues – but there will not be sufficient numbers of immigrants willing to relocate to meet the needs of all these countries. At some point, this will impact the U.S. too and immigration will not be a long term solution.
De-population will impact tax policy, education, health care, and labor shortages. Politicians of the past assumed an ever expanding population would be able to pay off current debts (think the Federal debt), and future government obligations (think Social Security and Medicare). Boy were they wrong – they’ve known this since the 1980s, but have done nothing to solve it long term.
We now have a future of smaller populations paying off past debts of a larger population. Are we worried yet?
Those who research fertility say it is not about the finances of couples, contrary to popular belief. It seems most likely due to a change in family values and priorities, and media induced anxiety (everything is a crisis, all the time).
