David Attenborough wants lower population growth

The man who has dedicated his life to the beauty of the world has become the patron to a group dedicated to reducing the growth of the human population.

The iconic champion of the natural world believes that the greatest threat to wildlife is man himself and that the population explosion will have devastating effects on nature and all of its splendour.

The Optimum Population Trust believes that both governments and “green” groups ignore the human population problem when discussing our world’s future and are pleased that such a highly respected and high profile figure has taken on their cause.

The Trust began 18 years ago with the objective of convincing the UK population to voluntarily reduce numbers by at least a quarter of a percent per year.

It currently urges couples to limit their family size and commit, via an online signup programme, to “Stop at 2” children.

The trust comes under heavy criticism, particularly from religious groups who are strongly opposed to any effort to curb family numbers.

Sir David has also been the focus of campaigns by religious groups and individuals who object to his promotion of the Darwin theory.

In response to such attacks, the Trust seeks to alert governments and interest groups to the dangerous levels of human population and the negative impacts that humans will have on the planet if they do not control their numbers.

It is predicted that the UK population will reach 77 million by 2050, up from the current 60.6 million.

Many experts argue that the optimal sustainable population figure for a sound future may be lower than 30 million.

Repeat that imbalance between actual and optimal worldwide, country by country, and then add global warming and it can be an alarming prognosis for our future.