Two Kids Should Be the Limit: Eco Expert

UK green adviser says overpopulation is 'ghost at the table'

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2009 1:50 PM CST

(Newser) – If you have more than a pair of kids, you’re damaging the planet, says an environmental adviser to the British government. He says contraception and abortion are key to fighting overpopulation that adds to global warming, the Times of London reports. “I am unapologetic about asking people to connect up their own responsibility for their total environmental footprint and how they decide to procreate,” Jonathon Porritt says.

Porritt is head of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, which will issue a report next month urging governments to improve family planning to reduce population growth. “I think we will work our way towards” the idea that “having more than two children is irresponsible. It is the ghost at the table,” he says. “We have all these big issues that everybody is looking at, and then you don’t really hear anyone say the ‘P’ word.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Governments should encourage better family planning, according to a forthcoming report. (Shutterstock)

"You don't really hear anyone say the 'P' word," says Porritt. (Shutterstock)

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My mission with the Greenpeaces of this world is to say: ‘You are betraying the interests of your members by refusing to address population issues and you are doing it because you think it is too controversial. - Jonathon Porritt

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 16 comments

AllisonMW

Feb 27, 2009 1:44 AM CST

YES!!! LOL

AllisonMW

Feb 27, 2009 1:44 AM CST

Good question

Guest

Feb 15, 2009 2:51 AM CST

i think that anyone that is for abortion is wrong. its not the population problem its people not doing what they are supposed to do in their everyday lives. its not the kids fault if a parent gets pregnant so why in the hell should it be killed? anyone on here who is rude to someone for voicing their oppinion is wrong because its the truth. no one should be ok with killing innocent children. is not a responsibility thing. if a family wants to have kids by all means have kids. that is what they want. it doesn't matter what other people think about them its what makes them happy so for everyone on here critisizing others, why don't you look at yourselves instead.

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climate change • environment • parenting • global warming • children • overpopulation

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Two Kids Should Be the Limit: Eco Expert