Philippines | populyst

Several Asian countries have come up with special programs and innovative ways of encouraging people to get married and have more kids.

RAJESHNI NAIDU-GHELANI writes at CNBC:

For Singapore citizen Kelly Ang, 25, who married a year ago, having a baby is not a top priority. The public relations professional, who works 11 hours a day, said she has no time to raise a family.

“At the moment I think it is difficult if I were to hold my current job and have a child too,” Ang said. “The work-life balance is something that would be a deterrent.”

Ang is one of many young people across Asia whose decision to put off having children is worrying their governments. From Taiwan to Singapore, authorities are stepping in to organize speed dating and other matchmaking events in a desperate attempt to stem falling birth rates. READ MORE.

KENNETH R. WEISS at THE LOS ANGELES TIMES explores the Population Boom in a five-part series:

After remaining stable for most of human history, the world’s population has exploded over the last two centuries. The boom is not over: The biggest generation in history is just entering its childbearing years. The coming wave will reshape the planet, and the impact will be greatest in the poorest, most unstable countries.

Part 1: The biggest generation

Even with birthrates falling, the huge number of people in their childbearing years means world population will continue to soar.

Part 2: Tinderbox of youth

Why most of the world’s civil conflicts occur in countries with young, fast-growing populations.

Part 3: Hunger without end

Four decades ago, the world seemed to be gaining ground on a scourge. Then the population nearly doubled.

Part 4: The China effect

Even with its curbs on population growth, the nation is having an enormous ecological impact on the planet.

Part 5: Dream out of reach

In the Philippine capital, contraception has become largely inaccessible to the poor.