UK Population Falling.
Fertility Rates Falling.
The UK birthrate is in freefall. In England and Wales, birthrates have fallen to their lowest since records began. This is according to the latest government data available.
The recording of birthrates in the UK began in 1938. The low birthrates in England and Wales are the lowest since 1977. Figures show that births fell in 2022 and were 1.49 down from 1.55 per woman in 2021.
Greg Ceely Head of Population Health Monitoring said, "Total fertility has declined since 2023, a trend we have seen since 2010". The biggest decline is lowest in the "20-24 and 25-29" age groups. The UK has the lowest fertility rate of all the G7 nations.
So what has led to this crisis in birthrates or fertility? The pressures and customs of the modern world certainly have something to do with it. For example, some women choose to have kids later in life, some are not ready for kids or do not want kids, not finding the right partner, and the cost of living nowadays. Could biological factors have something to do with it? Are environmental factors also playing a part?
Worldwide since 2010 fertility rates and births have been falling. All of the above factors are playing their part not just in the UK but globally. The human population, however, remains large at 7 - 9 billion people. Humans remain one of the most prolific species on the planet. We can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Even there, we have a presence as different nations have bases in their areas.
Humans were once like every other animal on the planet. As soon we stopped being hunter-gatherers and settled down to living in settlements and manipulating the environment that's when our population ballooned. We have indeed, as the Bible says, "Gone forth and multiplied". We control every aspect of life on this planet in a way, as far as we know, no other species has. This has certainly brought benefits but it has also created problems. We live on a planet where nations have so much material goods they don't want to do. While others barely have enough to eat and drink.
Modern capitalism around the world has created much wealth and opportunities. Conversely, it has created a society of haves and have-nots. Where billionaires sit at the top and the rest of us mere mortals work to keep them at the top.
Many couples today have reasoned not to have children. Taking a title from the movie "This Ends With Us". In other words, they have reasoned why put a child through the hells of this world? It may seem selfish on their part, but when you look at society now you could argue they have a point.
The current model of capitalism that we live with is unfair and destructive. Most people work for pittance wages just about keeping their heads above water. They rarely see any joy in their labours. Their money goes on rent, mortgages, weddings, shopping, bills, taxes, birthdays, religious festivals, etc. This system is like a wheel where no one ever gets off. This is a society of wheels of consumerism, materialism, greed, and war. And people wonder why there is so much mental health these days. Suicide rates are also a factor in our modern world.
Groups of people are put into pigeonholes. Some of these groups get a look in while others are marginalised. If an ET were watching our planet they would shake their head in disbelief. Thinking what a pathetic and disagreeable species we are and they would be right.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Rare Earths: Small Minerals, Massive Power Rare earth elements may sound obscure, but they sit at the heart of modern life. From smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets and missile systems, these minerals are essential to both civilian technology and national defense. That reality is why the United States is now pushing for quicker, more decisive action to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth supplies. For years, Washington talked about diversification. Now, it wants speed. The shift reflects growing concern that reliance on a geopolitical rival for critical materials is no longer sustainable in an era of strategic competition. Why China’s Dominance Worries Washington China controls roughly 60–70% of global rare earth mining and an even larger share of processing and refining. Even when rare earths are mined elsewhere, they are often shipped to China for processing. This gives Beijing enormous leverage over global supply chains. 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I find this fact interesting ✨