If Bill and Melinda Gates really cared about improving the world, they would be spending most of their charitable foundation’s money for lowering the fertility in poor nations. On this subject we recommend reading Jeffrey D. Sachs’ essay “Lower Fertility: A Wise Investment,” in the September 2006 issue of Scientific American. Sachs argues that “plans that encourage voluntary, steep reductions in the fertility rates of poor nations pay dividends in sustainability for everyone.”
Sachs gives four steps that “can reduce fertility rates dramatically within 15 years.” Why take them? He explains: “A move to lower fertility rates will mean healthier children, much faster growth in living standards and reduced environmental stressors.”
To read his essay online, click here.
A point made by others is that they could parlay their money into government policy changes that would generate exponentially more change than their money ever could hope to. A small portion of their $$, placed into campaign coffers in a thoughtful way, could free up many more billions for global fertility programs and so much more.
Posted by: Bruce | September 16, 2006 at 06:45 AM