Toward stationary populations and beyond.
The world's rate of population growth is declining. Most industrialized societies have achieved or are moving rapidly toward stationary populations, but while birth rates are also declining in many developing countries, continued growth must be expected because of the large proportions of young people in these populations. New evidence of exceptions to the classical demographic transition theory indicate that declining fertility is compatible with high mortality or low socioeconomic development if acceptable means of fertility control are readily available. "Fertility silhouettes" showing differing age-specific fertility rates indicate that present family planning programs have had a demographic impact. A review of the economic and ecologic consequences of rapid population growth justifies the conclusion that considerable effort will be required to again bring the world's population into balance with these systems. The author outlines priorities for this effort, with emphasis on the need to devise acceptable means of fertility control that will not tax the frail health care infrastructures of developing countries.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011155:Population Control; D011158:Population Growth