I was listening to a radio show the other day where there was a discussion on immigration.
At one point, I was startled by what an economist said.
''We depend on immigration for economic growth''
Put in context, he meant that without immigration, Canadians are not having enough babies to sustain our population and that we need immigration in order for there to be more citizens.
This made me think... If we need our population to constantly be on the rise to sustain economic growth, then it follows that all other countries need population growth for economic growth.
If all countries need their population to grow for economic growth, does that mean that world population necessarily must be in constant growth in order for there to be a healthy global economy?
In other words, is growth really needed in a healthy economy? It seems to me that in a world of limited resources, endless economic growth can only lead to nowhere, yet nearly all economists have as mantra that a healthy economy is a growing economy.
Any thoughts on what I see as being a problem?
I don't know much about economical issues. Perhaps someone can explain what I might be missing...
At one point, I was startled by what an economist said.
''We depend on immigration for economic growth''
Put in context, he meant that without immigration, Canadians are not having enough babies to sustain our population and that we need immigration in order for there to be more citizens.
This made me think... If we need our population to constantly be on the rise to sustain economic growth, then it follows that all other countries need population growth for economic growth.
If all countries need their population to grow for economic growth, does that mean that world population necessarily must be in constant growth in order for there to be a healthy global economy?
In other words, is growth really needed in a healthy economy? It seems to me that in a world of limited resources, endless economic growth can only lead to nowhere, yet nearly all economists have as mantra that a healthy economy is a growing economy.
Any thoughts on what I see as being a problem?
I don't know much about economical issues. Perhaps someone can explain what I might be missing...