New World Order: Human Sustainability Through Economics and Education

If we were to look at a chart of human growth rates over the last hundred years we would observe an exponential explosion in population due to many factors. Historically when a community is rural it contains higher rate of population primarily due to shear need. In order to balance this growth the current belief is a need for economic expansion as a method to promote less reliance on population in favor of a reduced amount of necessity. While this idea of exchanging economics for lowered population growth is an immediate short-term solution, investment in education facilitates a long-term outcome.

The issues that are faced in high population growth regions are principally a lack of medical assistance, economic expansion, and the need to maintain farming as a means of sustainability (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2008). Of these issues farming is a primary factor in growth. In order to cultivate enough land mass in an effort to create enough wealth to sustain a family, a specific need for more field workers helps a family find economic sustainability (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2008). In addition, the growing population requires a greater food source in order to be sustained. Hence, exponential growth in population is directly related to rural living.

Growth in population has many effects on a number of already strained resources globally. Global population based on current rates of expansion is exponential over long periods of time. When we observe expansion over the last hundred years we find the effects of technology and advancement in medical practices has expanded the population by lowering mortality rates (Global Change, 2006). The inventions of modern medicines, improved sanitation, and soap have all contributed to lowered mortality rates globally (Global Change, 2006). Yet even with these modern advances we still find regional issues with population growth.

Regions within the world that are less developed have higher fertility rates than those regions that are highly stable. Economically well developed regions have historically sustained their populations at nearly equal replacement levels; while less developed regions are affected by high mortality rates (Tucker, 2007). A more recent examination of European nations, which contain a higher urban population, the growth rates have virtually stabilized due to a partial demographic transition (Tobing, 2006). Elsewhere in the world there still exists a higher mortality rate caused by a number of issues including the lack of proper medical care, epidemics, and starvation (World Health Organization, 2008).

Starvation has become an ongoing issue when we discuss population sustainability of a lower economic region of the world. A phenomenon in these regions is the need for population in order to accomplish the specific goals of crop cultivation (World Health Organization, 2008). When the existence of a bad crop cycle or depleted resources enters a population one finds mass starvation and death.

An example of this process is the "Potato Famine" in Ireland during mid-1800; wherein estimates placed death tolls in excess of one million over the course of a year's time. Ireland at this time had nearly three million inhabitants reliant on an almost strict diet of potatoes, when a fungus nearly wiped out the entire potato crop and hindered growth for years following (Nally, 2006). The potato famine is the best example of both mass emigration but also in the years following a massive population growth. Due to the effects of the famine many Irish emigrated in search of resources; yet for those whom could not afford to emigrate they weathered the famine as best possible. Soon after the crops returned, Ireland experienced one of the largest population growths in history (Nally, 2006).

Ireland's famine shows us the effects of famine on a population and the ability of nature to help rebound regardless of adversarial conditions. Although a primary resource to extend life expectancy in modern rural conditions, medical care, is virtually nonexistent. Without proper medical attention most of these communities will suffer from many modern diseases and epidemics that are prevalent in these economically unstable regions (World Health Organization, 2008). The lack of vaccination delivery systems, antibiotics, or medicines, almost promotes issues with diseases like Malaria, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and HIV (UNAIDS, 2006).

A primary example of a population expanding and suffering from these afflictions is the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Arguably many could make the case that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and HIV are at epidemic proportions currently in this part of Africa. Statistics released by the World Health Organization (2008) and UNAIDS (2006) point toward a plateau in rates of infection since 2006 although the estimated cases worldwide are 38.6 million; with HIV at a current infection rate of 4.1 million per year. Even though this has contributed to a reduction in population it has not claimed enough victims to level out mortality and birth rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (Tucker, 2007). As had happened in Ireland in the mid-1800's the populations continue to grow regardless of disease in rural modern regions.

HIV and AIDS are the largest contributors to the mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, but they are not the only threat in this region. Due to excessive drought the region is continuously plagued with famine. According to the United States Government: The White House (2004) and the G-8 Summit of 2004 there exist over 200 million people suffering from famine in Africa alone. In response to the issue of famine, HIV, and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, the United Nations has encouraged foreign investment and education as solutions (The White House, 2004). This method of sustaining the region has been a long time technique employed throughout underdeveloped regions globally.

The reasons why education and investment have been employed are simple. Throughout history this method has helped alleviate the medical issues by providing regions with the knowledge to combat disease, it also provides infrastructure that reduces fertility rates (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2008). The economics that provide development of infrastructure have in many ways played a tremendous role in preventing population growth worldwide. Regions that are lacking this economic policy of urbanization and foreign investment sustain continually growing fertility rates (Tobing, 2006).

When countries develop infrastructure they promote the ideals of an improved economic condition. This economic state in turn causes human populations to find means to reduce overall family size in favor of financial gain (Department of Economics and Social Affairs, 2008). Countries that have adopted the philosophy of economic expansion often promote a need for a liberal urgent workforce. This new workforce often employs women whom are typically within the child bearing age group, hence lowering the birth rate due to necessity. Women are then promoted to a higher cultural status and eventually reduce populations further (Global Change, 2006).

This global trend towards foreign investment has historically helped develop two significant changes to populations. The investment helps underdeveloped regions create mega metropolises and prompts migration of populations. In turn the population becomes more manageable, financially stronger, and better educated. Population migration to these megacities, which diminishes the rural population, has been tremendous over the last 40 years (Tucker, 2008). Current estimates have megacities housing more than 10% of the total world population by the year 2015; up from 1.7% in 1950 (Global Change, 2006). Of the 26 megacities expected by 2015 - 22 are being developed in underdeveloped regions of the world (Tobing, 2006).

Obviously current sustainability in population growth is working, but the question is at what cost to other more developed countries. Financially the strain on already developed countries has been tremendous. A prime example of this is the financial outflow of the United States in 2006 wherein from a macroeconomics perspective the investment was in excess of $249 Billion; not reflective of total investment (Tobing, 2006). Even with this outflow of US funds the total inflow of cash from foreign investment was $184 billion; leaving a capital loss of $40 billion which was unchanged from the year previous. This trend towards continual loss in working capital for the United States places a strain on their ability to promote services within their own country (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2008).

Although capital losses could be considered a way of obtaining future profitability, it appears that all investment in these foreign markets is an attempt at acquisitions and mergers. Foreign governments are hedging their financial stability in order to produce international markets, that will in theory eventually come of age financially; with the United States leading the way. This method of foreign acquisition may be a tremendous downfall for the United States in particular due to the instability of foreign governments in underdeveloped regions historically (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2008).

The issue of global population growth requires a three part solution with an emphasis on education, negotiation, and a smaller foreign investment strategy. This form of long-term sustainability, in our opinion, will promote a positive foreign policy. Furthermore it will facilitate a need for undeveloped nations to reach a point of self sustainability, both financially and in relation to fertility rates (Department for Economic and Social Affairs, 2008).

Obviously regions that are underdeveloped need to curb their rates of population growth and foreign investment has produced positive results globally. Megacities have promoted migration and helped in reducing fertility rates; hence this method needs to continue as a short-term solution (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). Though as a long-term solution it may fail due to numerous factors such as historical changes in foreign governments in these regions; thus promoting our response of education and negotiation with the continued financial support already in place globally.

International investment should continue long-term with a concentration on infrastructure and education facilities. Promotion of diverse investment in infrastructure will visibly provide populations with the understanding that the world is not ignoring their issues. The building of this infrastructure needs implement regional workforces as a method of empowerment with the help of foreign nationals in a training capacity. This method will help curb any nepotism by foreign governments.

By creating educated workforces, a region will promote self growth and sustainability. Once a population feels empowered they will then promote education as a method of moving up in social and economic status. This falls in line with current population growth records that have rural regions promoting fertility as a method of obtaining economic status. These populations already understand the basic need to rise within the social and economic ladders of their region and culture. This method of education can prove to be very effective by building on a structure that is already existent. Again, education empowers and infrastructure will promote both economic stability and education.

Negotiation is a necessity in every aspect of our sustainability plan. This is not only in the best interest of the nation doing the investment it is also in the interest of the region itself. In order to sustain long-term relationships each group needs to understand the others ultimate goals and population aspirations. By having open dialog between these entities, governments can reach quality solutions to immediate and long-term needs. In addition, negotiation will open new methods of employing the newly educated workforce on a global scale.

The benefits are obvious, if a new globally educated workforce can be established new ideas in technology and science can be employed rapidly. Populations will continually decrease through slowed mortality rate; fertility rates will decline base on a lowered economic need. These new megacities will prompt populations to make economic decisions that will benefit their own lifestyle and provide the global economies of developed nations the much needed return on their investments. Furthermore, the nepotistic ideals will fall to the wayside through open dialog and negotiations. Working together on a global scale is the only true possible solution to lowering fertility and mortality rates; stabilizing populations globally.

Education also promotes better methods in current rural markets. By producing a positive economic growth rate in these newly formed megacities, markets for resources begin to emerge, thus promoting better methods in a rural farming of these resources. Establishing better methods will not only provide a much needed income to these communities it will also increase the purchasing power, improve the economies further, and require less workforce overall. This reduction in need of a workforce will provide families in rural areas with the much needed relief from large populations, starvation, and disease.

Challenges to the sustainability plan are government, religion, culture, and current understanding of those employing the process. Each region has specific preconceived notions in relation to various developed countries employing tactics in their countries historically. For example, English rule over many nations, like India, have had adverse effects on how others perceive this nations intentions globally. If the United Kingdom was to return to India without reassurances that their presence was not to be long-term as it was for many years, the efforts would be fruitless from the beginning. The United Kingdom would be best to enter into extensive negotiations and possibly employ intermediary nations to help promote the process.

Religious and cultural issues will always be a difficult challenge. Cultures in these regions often employ unusual practices and ideals that seem often barbaric or unconventional to developed nations (Sewpaul, 2008). Although, without educated understanding of these cultures and religious beliefs, a nation offering help will be seen as an adversary committed to destroying the region. In order to curb the effects of this cultural exchange we must educate those entering the region to the culture and religious belief systems in place (Sewpaul, 2008).

In order to accomplish our goals of sustainability we need in place a quality support structure. This structure will require governmental support of both the regions and those of developed nations. Societies within the region must be prepared and accepting of the change, without which the plan does not work. In addition, current global strategies, in some respect need to be set aside in favor of this global economic change.

Through the employ of negotiations, as discussed earlier, we need to request permissions of foreign governments that are not willing to accept our methods. Dialog is imperative so we convey an immediate need for compliance; otherwise their nation will not receive international aid. By withholding aid this will invoke a crisis situation eventually within those regions and force government change within those countries affected. Inhumane as this method may seem it is necessary for the good of all nations to maintain a stable fertility rate and lowered resource challenge.

If a society is open to change then the global policy must offer support that is both financial and based around education. As described in the sustainability plan (see. Appendix A) we must offer continued support of these societies friendly to change. They must be educated on acceptance of our philosophy of change for the betterment of the global environment. If this compliance is not available then the world must allow these nations to attempt change on their own without the support of developed nations.

In researching the issues of fertility rates and global population growth, only one path is clear and concise. We must at any and all costs to human life implement a method of change that involves education of the people in these underdeveloped, highly populated, regions of the world. If we are able to successfully, in the open or incognito, educate populations on the reasons change is necessary then we will be able to more readily make change. This can be done as a method of employing financial investment to change the infrastructure of these countries. Once we have installed the proper infrastructure and implemented education the assimilation process will begin; further opening markets to the global economy and dropping fertility rates globally. Without the stability in global population we will eventual exceed the carrying capacity of humanity, depletion of resources, and face apocalyptic events allowing nature to adjust our presence.

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