The world population is still growing rapidly. Therefore, birth regulation would be the most efficient way to counteract this. Responsible people already tend to have as many children as their financial resources allow. This shows maturity and responsibility towards both, their offspring and to society.

Nevertheless, the world’s population continues to grow rapidly. This represents one of the central challenges for sustainable development, resource security, and social stability. An internationally coordinated birth control policy offers an effective and manageable approach to responsibly addressing these developments.

Implementation Tools for Birth Control Measures In principle, three key strategies can be distinguished for implementing birth control policies:

1. Education and awareness
2. Incentives and subsidies
3. Regulatory measures and sanctions

Idealerweise werden alle drei Instrumente eingesetzt, mit dem Ziel, auf restriktive Massnahmen nur in Ausnahmefällen zurückgreifen zu müssen.

The OVOLPE Model as a Structured Framework for Global Population Policy

Prerequisite
An international panel of experts annually determines the sustainably supportable population number of the Earth. This is based on:

Availability and consumption of global resources
Ecological footprint (global hectare, gha)
Security of supply (particularly energy)
Environmental factors such as CO₂ emissions, water pollution, climate change, and biodiversity

Basic Regulatory Provisions
Ohne gezielte Steuerung wird die demografische Entwicklung zentrale Nachhaltigkeitsziele (SDGs) gefährden und geopolitische Spannungen verstärken. Fällt die globale Bevölkerungszahl unter die von dem Fachgremium festgelegte Tragfähigkeit, können die Regulierungen flexibel angepasst oder vorübergehend ausgesetzt werden. Auch gezielte Fördermassnahmen (z. B. Kindergeld) sind dann möglich.

• Fundamental right to one child per couple. This child will be supported through compulsory education, medical care, nutrition, and, if necessary, financial assistance from the global community, at least until UNESCO ISCED Level 2 (or possibly Level 3). Registration with the child protection authority (CPA) is mandatory.
• A second child is subject to conditions. Both parents must demonstrably be able to independently finance both children up to employability. Approval by the CPA is required.
• From the third child onwards, additional requirements apply in addition to the requirement for approval, progressive child taxes are levied.

Accompanying Measures

• Compulsory education on awareness and family planning starting at age 12.
• Availability of contraceptives in sufficient variety and quantity for all people.
• Möglichkeit für Kostenfreie Schwangerschaftsabbrüche bei ungewollten oder gesetzlich unzulässigen Schwangerschaften, ausschliesslich durch qualifizierte Ärztinnen und Ärzte.
• Legally penalty-free, medically supervised abortions worldwide within the first three months of pregnancy.
• Regelmässige Anpassung des Rentenalters im Dreijahresrhythmus entsprechend den demografischen Entwicklungen.
• Funding through a global birth control fund:
  Alle Staaten zahlen einen festen Prozentsatz (z. B. 10%) der nationalen Steuereinnahmen in diesen Fonds ein, um die genannten Massnahmen weltweit zu finanzieren.

Final Remark. A global birth control policy requires courage, foresight, and international coordination. Yet it offers the opportunity to stabilize prosperity, the environment, and social systems in the long term. Timely control of population growth can prevent future crises and create the conditions for fairer living conditions worldwide.

Principle of a decent minimum standard
Sustainable development begins when basic needs are met and people are empowered to make their own decisions about their lives. We believe in a world where every person can live a dignified life, regardless of their origin, gender, or social environment. Our vision is a society in which a binding minimum standard of quality of life is guaranteed for all people. This minimum standard covers the following basic areas of life:

1. Adequate nutrition and access to clean water Access to a balanced diet that meets nutritional needs must be guaranteed. This includes at least two nutritious meals per day with an energy intake of approximately 1,800 to 3,600 kcal, depending on age, gender, and physical activity. Secure access to clean and safe drinking water must be guaranteed as a fundamental basis for human existence.
2. Adequate housing Every person should have at least 30 m² of private living space. In regions with challenging climates, adequate heating and cooling facilities must be provided.
3. Basic medical and sanitary care Access to basic medical care and safe sanitary and hygiene facilities.
4. Adequate clothing Every person should have sufficient clothing, at least five complete sets of clothing suitable for the local climate, which enable both functional and social participation.
5. Basic education Access to formal education must be ensured at least up to UNESCO ISCED Level 2 (lower secondary education), ideally up to Level 3. In addition to basic skills in mathematics, language, and social sciences, the acquisition of written and spoken English as an international language of communication should be pursued.
6. Basic energy supply and digital participation Reliable energy supply and minimum access to information and communication technology as a basis for education, participation, and sustainable development.
7. Mobility To ensure economic and social participation, every person should have access to a suitable means of transportation adapted to local conditions.
8. Reproductive self-determination Free and unrestricted access to contraceptives of one's choice must be guaranteed as a fundamental right and a prerequisite for self-determined life planning.

Demographic developments in most industrialised countries show a clear trend: the population is ageing while birth rates are declining. From OVOLPE’s perspective, especially the declining birth rates are a very positive development. Mainstream opinion often sees this differently, portraying falling birth rates and the ageing of society as a threat. Fears range from an unbearable burden on pension systems and supply shortages to the collapse of production and supply chains, labour shortages, and even the extinction of humanity. These fears are not all unfounded, but they are exaggerated. What is often portrayed as a problematic situation can also, from OVOLPE's point of view, be seen as a chance for a better future. Here are some innovative solution approaches:

1. 1. Automation and Productivity Increases
   Technological progress will significantly increase efficiency in many industries. Automation, AI and robotics will take over various tasks, reducing the need for human labour. The declining number of working people can be offset by higher productivity, thus maintaining or even increasing economic performance. Physically demanding, hazardous, or monotonous work will increasingly be handled by machines and AI.
2. 2. Extending Working Life
   Thanks to better healthcare and nutrition, people in industrialised nations remain fit and productive for longer, making it possible to raise the retirement age. Flexible pension systems that allow a gradual transition into retirement can help retain skilled professionals in the workforce. Especially experienced older individuals can contribute through knowledge transfer and mentoring. Part-time and project work can be attractive to older workers and allow them to continue contributing to society.
3. 3. Education and Skills Development
   Investment in education and training is essential to help workers adapt to new technologies and work methods. Targeted retraining and lifelong learning ensure that people remain indispensable, efficient and flexible in changing job markets. This allows for an effective use of available labour resources.
4. 4. Migration as an Opportunity
   Targeted immigration policies can help alleviate shortages in specific professions. With suitable integration programmes, migrants can be incorporated into the labour market. Well-integrated immigrants can not only stabilise the labour market but also bring cultural and economic stimulus. A smart migration strategy is key to meeting actual needs. Beneficial temporary exchange programmes between industrialised and developing countries—possibly supported by government or businesses—are also conceivable. For example, older, highly qualified workers from industrialised countries could work in developing nations for a few years to initiate sustainable infrastructure projects or transfer agricultural technologies. At the same time, young workers from developing countries could temporarily work in industrial nations, gain training and/or valuable professional experience, while helping to fill demographic gaps in the labour market.
5. 5. New Social Models
   Innovative concepts like multi-generational living or cooperative housing (such as intergenerational homes or communities) can help distribute tasks like cleaning, maintenance, care, and support more efficiently. Older people who stay active longer can make valuable contributions in social and voluntary sectors. These models reduce dependency on state-run care institutions and strengthen community cohesion.

Demographic change certainly presents challenges, but the often-evoked doomsday scenarios can be avoided. Technological progress, social adaptation and targeted political action can transform perceived problems into real opportunities. Instead of fearing an ageing society, we should focus on innovative solutions that secure or improve long-term prosperity and social stability.

• Seen globally and international, the current state presents a Babylonian confusion of languages, which means that many countries in the world people have difficulty expressing and understanding language in their own country. For example, in Switzerland, with just at 9 million residents, there are four official national languages. One of them is Swiss-German. But the written language in the “German-speaking” part of Switzerland is High German, which is actually a foreign language. This is, admittedly, a rather extreme example, but it can be applied in a watered-down form to nearly all the countries on the Earth. In countries with multiple ethnic groups, larger portions of the population are forced to learn the national language, which, in turn, becomes completely useless as soon as they cross the national border.

  India provides a good example of the advantages of English as a world language, since English has become one of the official national languages in this country. India decided to establish English as a national language, not just to make communication among its own people easier, since there are many different variants of the Indian languages, but also to make communication in the international business world, and to facilitate the access to education and employment. In fact, India has developed quickly into an important actor on the global market – and English has played an important role in this. Without a shared language, which is abstracts from differences in origin and culture, it would have been much harder for India to assert itself in the global economy.

• «These deficiencies arise because there is no shared world language.» Languages learned in adulthood generally do not have the same quality and depth as the mother tongue. For that reason, it is to be desired that every child grows up bilingual. With the respective mother tongue, that is, the regional language, and the world language. This would make learning national languages superfluous and regional languages could be taught in schools along with the world language, both spoken and written forms. In travel, in business, in diplomacy, and in politics, as well as in science and research, and not least of all in interpersonal relationships in private life would bring enormous progress to a world language. Expenditures in costs and time could be considerably reduced and many misunderstandings and wrong decisions could be avoided.
• For that reason, OVOLPE is working for the official introduction of the English language as the world language.

Der Wasserfussabdruck zeigt auf, wie viel Wasser direkt und indirekt verbraucht wird. Für Haushalte, Landwirtschaft, Industrie und Energie. Der globale Wasserfussabdruck pro Kopf beträgt rund 1’385 m³ jährlich, was etwa 3,8 m³ oder 3’800 Liter pro Tag entspricht. Der grösste Anteil entfällt auf die Landwirtschaft: rund 70-80 % der weltweit genutzten Wasserressourcen werden zur Nahrungsmittelproduktion verwendet. Insgesamt liegt der globale Wasserverbrauch heute bei etwa 4’600 km³ pro Jahr und steigt kontinuierlich.

Bereits jetzt leben über 2 Milliarden Menschen ohne sicheren Zugang zu sauberem Trinkwasser. Gleichzeitig erleben mehr als 4 Milliarden Menschen mindestens einen Monat im Jahr Wasserknappheit. Bis 2030 könnte das weltweite Wasserangebot den Bedarf um 40 % unterschreiten.

Die Folgen sind vielfältig: Dürreperioden, Ernteausfälle, Migration, gesundheitliche Risiken und zerstörte Ökosysteme. Die Auswirkungen betreffen besonders Regionen mit starkem Bevölkerungswachstum und fehlender Infrastruktur.

Ziel von OVOLPE ist es, auch beim Wasserverbrauch eine langfristig tragbare Balance zwischen Menschen und Umwelt zu ermöglichen. Ein nachhaltiger Wasserfussabdruck für alle ist nur dann möglich, wenn entweder der Verbrauch pro Kopf drastisch sinkt, was aufgrund globaler Konsumgewohnheiten unrealistisch ist, oder die Anzahl der Menschen sinkt, die diesen Verbrauch verursachen.

Langfristig muss die Weltbevölkerung so begrenzt werden, dass die Belastung von Wasser, Böden und Ressourcen nicht die ökologische Tragfähigkeit des Planeten übersteigt. Nur so bleibt die Lebensgrundlage kommender Generationen erhalten, bevor der zunehmende Wassermangel sie auf härtere Weise dazu zwingt.

Wissen:

1. Was ist der Wasser-Fußabdruck?

• Der Wasser-Fußabdruck misst sowohl den direkten Verbrauch (z. B. Trinken, Waschen) als auch den indirekten Verbrauch (virtuelles Wasser in Produkten) nachhaltigkeit.info Link.
• Er umfasst drei Kategorien:
  • Blauer Fußabdruck: Nutzung von Oberflächen- und Grundwasser
  • Grüner Fußabdruck: Regenwasser, das in Pflanzen zurückbleibt
  • Grauer Fußabdruck: Wasser zur Verdünnung/Entsorgung von Schadstoffen Wikipedia Link.
• Weltweit liegt der durchschnittliche Wasser-Fußabdruck bei ca. 1 385 m³ pro Person pro Jahr (≈3 800 l/Tag) Wikipedia Link.
• Anteile (1996–2005): 74 % grün, 11 % blau, 15 % grau Wikipedia Link.

💧2. Wie groß ist der Verbrauch?

• Globaler Wasserverbrauch ist seit 1900 etwa sechsmal gestiegen ARD Alpha Link.
• Aktuelle Nutzung: etwa 4 600 km³/Jahr (2027 Prognose: bis zu 6 000 km³) Nature.com Link.
• Verteilung nach Sektoren:
  • Agrikultur: 69–80 % des Verbrauchs Wikipedia Link
  • Industrie (inkl. Energie): 19–20 %
  • Haushalte: ca. 10–12 % Wikipedia Link.

3. Wasserknappheit – wer ist betroffen?

• Über 4,2 Mrd. Menschen erleben mindestens einen Monat im Jahr Wasserknappheit adi-international Link.
• Bis 2030 könnte das globale Wasserangebot um etwa 40 % unter dem Bedarf liegen .
• Bereits heute fehlen:
  • ca. 2,2 Mrd. Menschen ein sicherer Zugang zu Trinkwasser Newyorker Link
  • 2,7 Mrd. Menschen erleben jährliche, teilzeitliche Wasserknappheit.

4. Folgen und Herausforderungen

• Wirtschaftlich: Mehr Dürren, Ernteausfälle, gestörte Lieferketten inkl. Energiesektoren.
• Gesundheit: 3 Mio. Todesfälle/Jahr weltweit durch wasserbedingte Krankheiten, vor allem in ärmeren Regionen.
• Natur: Übernutzung schädigt Ökosysteme, Böden und Qualität von Oberflächengewässern.

5. Maßnahmen & Lösungsansätze

• Förderung von Wasser-Recycling (Grau- und Regenwasser), v. a. in Haushalten und Gebäuden; bereits erprobt in UK, Australien, Zypern, Japan.
• Effizienzsteigerungen in Landwirtschaft (z. B. gezielte Bewässerung) und Industrie landsiedel-seminare Link.
• Ausbau von Speichersystemen (Reservoirs, Entsalzungsanlagen), Regenwasserstrategien.
• Politische Rahmenbedingungen: Smart Meter, Bewusstseinsbildung, Änderung der Preisstrukturen theguardian Link.
• In Schwellen- und Entwicklungsländern ist der Fokus auf nachhaltige Infrastruktur, Sanitäreinrichtungen und Zugang zu Grundwasser entscheidend.