Further to Banjo’s comments, Belly we need to set a good example here in Oz.

The best thing that we can do for our country is also the best thing we can do for the world.

That is:: stabilise our population and achieve a sustainable society.

And we should be much more pro-active in our international aid efforts, especially in the realms of family planning and all the other things that help countries reach a sustainable lifestyle and population level.

Consider this
Global replacement rate is 2.33 children per woman.
USA = 2.4, UK = 1.7, Aus = 1.76 (2000-05), so telling people in the industrialised world to "take responsibility" is really pointing the finger at the third world where the birthrate is beyond replacement rates.

In pointing the finger at the third world, claiming 'education' is the solution & presenting rich educated Indian girls deciding on one child as evidence is ingenuine. Since only the well off can afford education, that evidence rather points to the effect of material security on family size, not necessarily education.

Large families provide the only security the poor can achieve, risky as that strategy is for them. But their desperate need for security questions how the first world exploits the third world to provide the standard of living WE demand.

India uses 1.3ha of the earth / person - we use between 3 & 4 times that, but sustainability (and justice!) demands we reduce that to 2ha ... but it is more pleasant to focus on their ignorance, isn't it.

We haven't got time to be going down wrong paths blaming the poor for the state of the planet or its future!

Selling a lie is often about telling enough truth to slip in the lie unnoticed from which you can profit.

Just thought I needed to say something

Chris Baulman
@landrights4all

Landrights 4 all,
Chriss, No one has mentioned India, I suggest you have a look at Iran and Thailand where government promoted family planning has reduced the birthrates from around 6.5 per woman to about 1.7.

Then compare Thailands economy to that of the Phillipines and see the result.

Western countrie are not to blame for developing countries having high birthrates, but we can do our bit to educate and provide the means for family planning.

The main reason for high birth rates in Third World countries is partly due to the high infant mortality rate and social necessity.

Without the benefits that we take for granted, people in such countries need children who will look after them in their old age. They expect that some will die and some will move away so they need to increase the odds for their own survival.

Unless there is an alternative this will never change.

The only remedies that are known to work are the old standards of War, Pestilence and Famine. Choose wisely.

Landrights4all,
Below is a sitr that compares thailands economy to that of the Phillipines, you may find it interesting.

Or you can google family planning in Thailand and/or Iran. there are many site giving info.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/9489/family-planning-in-thailand-ph

I am not on any crusade to save the world, but I am interested in preventing people dieing from starvation.

Aside from the draconian policies of say China, education in family planning appears to be the best i have come across to date.

Wobbles,
I suggest you look at the experiences of Thailand and Iran. You can google family planning for each country.

Not only has government promoted schemes worked, there are economic benefits for both the poor families and the country. this then enables the country then to spend more funds on things such as education and health.

Try the link I gave in my last post.