I recall, many years ago, being aware of studies (no, I don't have citations) that demonstrated fairly conclusively that population growth is directly connected to prosperity. Truly poor people tend to have more children, for whatever reason. As soon as standards of living improve, reproduction rates go down. Some people may think (wrongly, in my opinion) that society can be improved through coercion and sanctions and punishments, but I believe the real answer lies in a more equitable distribution of wealth (yes, that old chestnut) so working people and beneficiaries receive a living wage. According to a recent report (RNZ) 10% of Kiwis now own 50% of the nation's wealth and the gap is growing. A fairer society would go a long way towards improving a whole host of thorny problems.