Self-destructive behaviour and overexploitation of the environment

Our motives for having children are many. They include the evolutionary drive to immortalize our genes, to realize our own procreational potential, to follow the dictates of tradition, or even to exploit them as a source of unpaid labour or security in old age. The previous chapter analysed the positive correlation between fertility, economic activity and environmental deterioration. This chapter develops the theme further, though from different perspectives. In particular, it examines ways that societies lock themselves into a self-sustaining destructive mode of behaviour characterized by high fertility, overexploitation of the local environment and low regard for the rights of future generations.

The tragedy of the commons

Although ‘the tragedy of the commons’ was originally used in a philosophical context, it was eagerly taken up by population ecologists inquiring into the practicalities of ecology, social justice and the natural limits to human reproductive rights. Prominent among those was Garrett Hardin, whose steady contributions since the 1950s were a crucial driving force in the debate's advancement – both from the biological and bioethical points of view. If we are to protect the quality of life of our children, then we must question the corresponding right to breed freely.