Sixteen Myths about Population Growth

Many of the policies and spending priorities aimed at curbing population growth have been based on a combination of inadequate data, wishful thinking and faulty logic. To resolve some of the misconceptions about population issues, there is a need for expanded scientific research using experimental designs to gather conclusive evidence about the relative effects of various approaches to curbing population growth.

Someone once said, “Hell is truth, seen too late.” Many policy makers and funders have been reluctant to recognize overwhelming evidence that some of their pet beliefs are countered by impressive evidence.

The predominant myths about population include:

> Misconceptions about the nature of the problem
> The belief that population growth poses no threat
> The belief we cannot do anything about population growth; and
> Beliefs about simple approaches that are mistakenly believed to hold promise of a quick fix to the population problem

1. Myth: Population growth has occurred at current levels over many centuries

etc.