A massive campaign must be launched to de-develop the United Statesโฆ [we] must design a stable, low-consumption economy.
John HoldrenThe Planetary Regime might be given responsibility for determining the optimum population for the world and for each region and for arbitrating various countriesโ shares within their regional limits. Control of population size might remain the responsibility of each government, but the Regime would have some power to enforce the agreed limits.
John HoldrenIn todayโs world, however, the number of children in a family is a matter of profound public concern. The law regulates other highly personal matters. For example, no one may lawfully have more than one spouse at a time. Why should the law not be able to prevent a person from having more than two children?
John HoldrenThe need for de-development presents our economists with a major challenge. They must design a stable, low-consumption economy in which there is a much more equitable distribution of wealth than in the present one. Redistribution of wealth both within and among nations is absolutely essential if a decent life is to be provided for every human being.
John HoldrenReliable and affordable energy is essential for meeting basic human needs and fueling economic growth, but many of the most difficult and dangerous environmental problems at every level of economic development arise from the harvesting, transport, processing, and conversion of energy
John HoldrenIf some individuals contribute to general social deterioration by overproducing children, and if the need is compelling, they can be required by law to exercise reproductive responsibility โ just as they can be required to exercise responsibility in their resource-consumption patterns โ providing they are not denied equal protection
John Holdren