The World : Overpopulation Warning

Population growth is overwhelming economies, environments and political stability in Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Latin America, where 2.6 billion people live and where the population increases 2.5% yearly, a Washington research group says. A study by the Worldwatch Institute suggests that countries adopt economic incentives for smaller families, provide information on benefits of family planning and offer contraceptive services. The study disputes arguments by some economists that population growth will create larger markets and thus spur economic development. Rather, the study asserts, population growth will outstrip the resources available, leaving people with too little food, water, fuel and other necessities.