On advising governments on population: will he who knows what’s right, do what’s right?

Abstract

Karl Schwarz stands out amongst my European professional friends as a man who is always keen on involving politicians and policy makers in international meetings, ready to give a press conference to enlighten representatives of the media on demographic matters, to write a report with recommendations or to give a considered opinion on one population issue or another. Responsible people who are told the truth, who are shown what the demographic future looks like, what the potential dangers are that consequently lurk ahead, should act forthwith to counter them, seems to be his view. I have repeatedly seen him shake his head in disbelief if someone did not seem to grasp immediately how sensible and eminently practical certain policy recommendations were and how necessary it was to take action now for the benefit of future generations. He who knows what ’s right should do what ’s right, could have been his adagium. It is in his honour, therefore, that this brief essay was written.