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U.N. issues report on global birth rate crisis

Birth Rate Crisis - Level 0

The U.N. said there is a "birth rate crisis". It issued a report that highlights how fewer babies are being born. At the same time, people are living longer. Fewer workers must pay the pensions of more and more elderly people. Many countries are having problems with fewer babies and ageing.

The U.N. questioned 14,000 people in 14 countries. It found that children are becoming too expensive. Couples want children, but cannot afford them. Reasons for this include low salaries, expensive houses, and worries about the future. One solution to this is cheaper childcare.

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Birth Rate Crisis - Level 1

The United Nations (U.N.) says the world is in a birth rate crisis. The U.N. created a report called "State of World Population 2025". It highlights how fewer babies are being born. At the same time, people are living longer. This is creating problems. Fewer workers have to pay the pensions of more older people. The U.N. said: "Many countries are [having problems] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising…pension costs."

The U.N. asked 14,000 people in 14 countries for its report. It found that having children is becoming too expensive. Couples want children, but cannot afford them. Couples cannot have the number of children they want. Reasons for this include low salaries, expensive houses, and worries about the future. One solution to this crisis is "family-friendly" policies, like cheaper childcare and paid holidays for carers.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Birth Rate Crisis - Level 2

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The United Nations (U.N.) has said the world is having a birth rate crisis. The U.N. has released a report called "State of World Population 2025". It highlights how fewer babies are being born worldwide. At the same time, people are living longer. Falling birth rates and more older people are creating problems. Smaller numbers of workers have to pay the pensions of older people. The U.N. said: "Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs. These are real concerns."

The U.N. asked more than 14,000 people in 14 countries on five continents for its report. A key finding was the global fertility crisis. The high cost of having children is the biggest reason for not having children. Many couples want children, but cannot afford them. One in five adults think they will not be able to have the number of children they want. Other reasons for falling birth rates include low salaries, expensive housing, and worries about the future of our world. One solution to this crisis is "family-friendly" policies, like cheaper childcare and paid leave for all carers.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Birth Rate Crisis - Level 3

The United Nations has said the world is experiencing a birth rate crisis. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released a report called "State of World Population 2025". It highlights how fewer and fewer children are being born all over the world. At the same time, people are living longer. Falling birth rates and increased longevity are creating many problems. Smaller numbers of workers are having to pay the pensions of older people who have retired. Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of UNFPA, said: "Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs. These are real concerns."

The United Nations surveyed over 14,000 people in 14 countries on five continents to make its report. One of the key findings was of the global fertility crisis. The UN said the high cost of parenthood is the biggest reason for women not having children. Many couples want children, but they cannot afford them. Nearly 20 per cent of adults believe they will not be able to have the number of children they want. There were other reasons for falling birth rates. These include low salaries, expensive housing, and worries about the future of our world. The UN said one solution to the crisis is to create "family-friendly policies, such as affordable childcare and paid leave for all carers".

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