[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by 3894

Besides the fact that the planet is already overpopulated.....

Not really...


http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...52C1A961958260

If this trend continues it could have far-reaching consequences, demographers say. When more and more of the world's most highly industrialized and economically productive nations do not replenish their numbers, their role as engines of global growth -- both as producers and consumers of goods -- is thrown into doubt.

''These developed countries have a particularly important role because they provide a great deal of the economic leadership and social leadership,'' said Joseph Chamie, director of the United Nations population division, which organized the conference this week.

''They are, basically, the producer nations, the consumer nations and the donor nations,'' he said. ''China today is exporting to whom? Basically to the United States and Europe, and that's helping the Chinese economy. Europe alone consumes a great deal and produces a great deal. If they start shrinking there will be a readjustment, and it will be global in its impact. It will affect the entire world economy.''