Space colonies. Fertility is low in wealthy countries with large unsettled territories (Canada, Australia), even though they are far more hospitable than other planets. There is no reason to think that space colonies alone will reverse the fertility decline.
I think the incentive for fertility depends on the level of connection with the Earth. If it were fully independent from Earth, it would have a strong incentive to increase population because there are large economies of scale in terms of increasing the standard of living, including being able to create more living space per person, more advanced electronics, media, etc.
Good point. I agree that the threat of ādying outā or of falling below some critical population threshold would probably be sufficient motivation for space colonies to avoid terminal decline. Iām less convinced that the more abstract theory that higher population ā better QOL for all would significantly alter individualsā (selfish) cost/ābenefit calculations about raising a child.
Very interesting!
I think the incentive for fertility depends on the level of connection with the Earth. If it were fully independent from Earth, it would have a strong incentive to increase population because there are large economies of scale in terms of increasing the standard of living, including being able to create more living space per person, more advanced electronics, media, etc.
Good point. I agree that the threat of ādying outā or of falling below some critical population threshold would probably be sufficient motivation for space colonies to avoid terminal decline. Iām less convinced that the more abstract theory that higher population ā better QOL for all would significantly alter individualsā (selfish) cost/ābenefit calculations about raising a child.
The government could internalize this positive externality by providing incentives, like this.
It could try, but so far no government has managed to meaningfully reverse fertility rates. Not many have tried very hard, so it may be possible.