Should we panic about plummeting birthrates? • FRANCE 24 English

In a special edition marking the start of a new season, we dive into an issue increasingly alarming governments around the world: a global decline in birthrates. A recent joint study by UNFPA and YouGov — spanning 14 countries and covering 37 percent of the world’s population — reveals a stark trend: fertility rates have dropped below 2.1 births per woman in over half of the nations surveyed. That's the critical threshold needed to maintain population levels without immigration.

But the researchers highlight an important point; it’s not just that people don't want children. For many, the reality is they just can't afford to start or grow a family. We report on China's push to reverse its population decline.

Plus, Annette Young speaks to Oxford University anthropologist, Dr Paula Sheppard, as to whether we really do need to press the panic button.
#Fertilitycrisis #Birthrate #Family

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Post from France 24 on August 29, 2025

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