It's the end of an era. After 36 years, China has decided to end its restrictive one-child policy, by allowing couples to have two children. Why the change? In three words: an aging population.
"The controversial policy was introduced nationally in 1979, to slow the population growth rate," writes the BBC News. Carrie Gracie, their China Editor, elaborates on the reason for the change, and if it will work.
It is estimated to have prevented about 400 million births. However concerns at China's ageing population led to pressure for change.
The decision to allow families to have two children was designed "to improve the balanced development of population'' and to deal with an aging population, according to the statement from the Community Party's Central Committee carried by the official Xinhua News Agency (in Chinese) on Thursday.
Gracie states it succinctly in a video included with the article: China, meaning the communist party, "is afraid that it's going to get old before it gets rich."
Two graphs in the article point to "fewer children and young people" and the "population getting older."
The announcement shows the importance of economic sustainability as compared to environmental sustainability. Some in the environmental community continue to see human population growth as "the number one environmental problem." However, Chinese leaders recognized that they were suffering from a population implosion, not explosion.
FULL STORY: China to end one-child policy and allow two
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions