Letter: Benefits of falling birth rates

Letter: Benefits of falling

birth rates

Sir: Hamish McRae's article (11 June) about falling birth rates in the West missed out the most important and central point.

The world's population as a whole is increasing very rapidly and even at the most optimistic estimates will lead us into great problems very quickly indeed. We should be glad if there are any countries where rates are falling below replacement level. We should take note of the lessons they offer us and emulate them rather than imagining that more is better as regards human replacements.

France has managed to keep its population increase down and maintain its population numbers steadily over recent history. That is the sort of behaviour which will benefit all mankind.

Increase in human numbers is generally paralleled by species loss amongst plants and animals. It is a very self-centred view that looks at human numbers alone.

MARGARET BALLARD

London SW3