In The News

41 Percent of World’s People Under Age 24: Guardian

Simon Tisdall November 30, 2019
More than 40 percent of the world’s population is under age 24, and many hold concerns about globalization, rising inequality, corruption, fewer democratic protections and a warming climate. So the young, like so many from history hungry for change, are protesting. “Yet while younger people, in any era, are predisposed to shake up the established order, extreme demographic, social and political...

Global Pension Crisis: Financial Times

Josephine Cumbo and Robin Wigglesworth November 26, 2019
Since the financial crisis in 2008, many central banks have implemented easier monetary policies and other tools to stimulate economic growth. Due to those efforts, the interest rates have dropped in many countries, in turn reducing investment gains and swelling debt of pension funds. In some extreme cases, such as Sweden and Switzerland, the central bank policy rate falls below zero, or negative...

Africa and Sustainable Prosperity: Mail & Guardian

Joyce Msuya November 24, 2019
Sustainable economic growth in Africa requires a focus on environmental protection, maintaining clean water and fertile soil. “Six of the world’s fastest growing economies are African,” explains Joyce Msuya of the UN Environment Programme. “The continent is urbanising rapidly, and governments are working to provide the infrastructure, skills and policy to drive growth and development. But unless...

China Needs a National Pension System: Caixin

April 17, 2019
China posts a high savings rate, but the country needs pension reforms. Some workers do not receive benefits to which they are entitled. The median age is 37.3 and with a low fertility rate and improved health care, the population is aging. Caixin describes the pension system in crisis and need for national coordination with fair distribution among provinces – “an inevitable requirement for the...

Japan’s Population Decline: Financial Times

Robin Harding April 12, 2019
Japan’s low fertility rate, less than 1.5 births per woman, and strict immigration policies contribute to a population that is aging and shrinking. Japanese who were part of a baby boom just before World War II are now dying. The population is 126.4 million and without policy changes is projected to drop by half in less than 100 years. “A strong economy and immigration reforms by Prime Minister...

Global Population Decline, Economic Growth: Forbes

Bill Conerly February 24, 2019
Global population growth grew at a fast pace throughout the 20th century. While demographes anticipate population the world’s population to expand to 10 billion by the end of this century, the pace has slowed. Bill Conerly for Forbes, writing for Forbes, questions if societies might miss the economic growth and innovation that accompanies swift population growth. He describes research by...

Reuters: Guaido Claims Venezuela’s Presidency

Mayela Armas, Angus Berwick and Corina Pons January 24, 2019
Venezuela’s Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-run Congress, declared himself as interim president soon after the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Canada and Costa Rica granted him formal recognition. Nicolas Maduro claimed to start his second term on January 10 following what many described as a corrupt election. Maduro quickly described the situation as a coup and broke relations with the...