Written by Olivia Nater | Published: June 17, 2026
The Guardian editorial board recently published a balanced view on declining birth rates. We wrote a letter in support, but it wasn’t published, so we are featuring it here.
We encourage all our members and supporters to make their voices heard! See our media guide for advice on how to do that.
To the editorial team:
Thank you for your reasonable take on the global birth rate decline amidst widespread “baby bust” alarmism. Small family sizes bring benefits to parents, children, and societies, while women’s increased freedom of choice is to be celebrated, not lamented.
You acknowledged that the population trajectory we’re on “could help reduce competition for resources,” but the environmental advantages of reduced population pressure extend well beyond resources. At current consumption and population levels, we’ve already breached seven of nine critical planetary boundaries. Adding another two billion people to our population could be disastrous – we should be aiming to peak well below 10 billion, especially since consumption levels are set to increase as more people rightfully escape poverty. Removing barriers to family planning and girls’ education in countries with high fertility rates is key to reducing suffering and achieving a more sustainable future.
As you said, governments urgently need to start adapting societies and economies to an absence of population growth. It’s time to accept that the notion of infinite growth on a finite planet has always been absurd.
Regarding those who feel unable to have the number of children they desire, yes, family-friendly policies and affordable housing could help, but as you noted, surveys have revealed that concern over the state of the world is also a leading limiting factor on people’s family size. Reining in our growth addiction and prioritizing well-being over profit will help bring about a world in which people can feel better about having kids.
Sincerely,
Olivia Nater
Communications Manager
Population Connection
