Fascinating and useful fact thread

[filthy1980]

There doesn't need to be a benefit - I don't particularly care if there is or there isn't, because that's not what I'm arguing. Population growth will continue to occur naturally whether we like it or not.

I'm arguing that it's completely possible to sustain a much greater population with the resources at our disposal if we utilise them properly.

in the "western world" birth rates are actually decreasing, a combination of people choosing to have two or fewer children means at best you are only replacing yourselves in population terms

increased infertility since the 1950's is also a contributory cause

it's only in the developing world where populations are generally increasing (despite chinese and indian governments forced sterilstion programmes), and the fundemental reason for that tends to be poverty

[wobbegong]

While outwardly similar to a human hand, a chimpanzees' hand contains 6 fewer bones, and are not usually used to fling excrement.

[TimberWolf]

in the "western world" birth rates are actually decreasing, a combination of people choosing to have two or fewer children means at best you are only replacing yourselves in population terms

increased infertility since the 1950's is also a contributory cause

it's only in the developing world where populations are generally increasing (despite chinese and indian governments forced sterilstion programmes), and the fundemental reason for that tends to be poverty

The UK's population is increasing rapidly again now isn't it (even excluding immigration)?

[filthy1980]

The UK's population is increasing rapidly again now isn't it (even excluding immigration)?

haven't really seen any UK specific figures, but its possible especially over the last couple of years

what you generally find that in "tulipty times" there does tend to be a baby boom, i think something to do with the feel good factor

[gingerjedi]

The UK's population is increasing rapidly again now isn't it (even excluding immigration)?

We've got feck all else to do.

[TimberWolf]

We've got feck all else to do.

It's a shame the rest of the world doesn't need people, because we could be a baby factory.

[filthy1980]

It's a shame the rest of the world doesn't need people, because we could be a baby factory.

i've long thought that the baby rental business is the way to go

all these designer couples who only want a baby to show off to their friends at dinner parties or social gatherings, they should be able to just hire a baby for a day

obviously you'd have a catalogue, all shapes and sizes and creeds and colours

i think you'd make a mint

[gingerjedi]

i've long thought that the baby rental business is the way to go

all these designer couples who only want a baby to show off to their friends at dinner parties or social gatherings, they should be able to just hire a baby for a day

obviously you'd have a catalogue, all shapes and sizes and creeds and colours

i think you'd make a mint

That would be great, they could have ours so we could also enjoy "dinner parties and social gatherings".

[filthy1980]

That would be great, they could have ours so we could also enjoy "dinner parties and social gatherings".

depends if your kid is cute or not, nobody wants an fugly baby

the day rate drops significantly

[TimberWolf]

I wouldn't be surprised to see things start to come to a head this decade. A few (unexpected) oil shocks, more expensive food and possibly rationing in the UK. We'll be glad of a few windmills then. New Zealand seems to be the place to be when it does kick off.