Population in a Steady State Economy

In a steady state economy, population remains relatively stable, as births + immigrants = deaths + emigrants. Overcrowding, congestion, and frenzied competition are diminished. A stable and sustainable level of population helps ensure that each person can obtain sufficient resources. Steady state economies include non-coercive policies that tend to stabilize population, such as empowerment of women and provision of equitable access to educational opportunities. The idea is to stabilize population at a size that gives citizens the best odds to lead long, healthy, prosperous and fulfilling lives.

More of this…

Family planning and empowerment
of women to reach a stable and
sustainable population size.

Image credit: Population Institute

 

Continuously Growing Population

Adding more people to a population requires securing resources and space to feed, house, transport, and otherwise supply the needs of those people. It is difficult for institutions to keep pace with constantly expanding populations, with results ranging from congestion and overcrowded cities to decimated ecosystems and failing states.

Favela_creditFernandoStankuns

Less of that…

Overcrowding into marginal urban
lands as too many people compete for
too few opportunities.

Image credit: Fernando Stankuns

 

Exemplary Population Policies

Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population (ASAP) is a grassroots organization concerned about the quality of life in and around Charlottesville, Virginia.  ASAP is studying environmental carrying capacity and socioeconomic conditions to estimate a “right size” for the number of residents that can live in the community and maintain a high quality of life.