The Age >> Originally Published 21st April 2009

Australia should consider having a one-child policy to protect the planet, an environmental lobby group says.

Sustainable Population Australia says slashing the world’s population is the only way to avoid “environmental suicide”.

National president Sandra Kanck wants Australia’s population of almost 22 million reduced to seven million to tackle climate change.

And restricting each couple to one baby, as China does, is “one way of assisting to reduce the population”.

“It’s something we need to throw into the mix,” the former Democrats parliamentarian told AAP.

More people means more coal-fired electricity, cars, houses, water use and food production, all of which increase greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Ms Kanck, who has one child herself, expects her campaign will receive a hostile reaction.

“The Catholic church is going to be in like Flynn on an argument like this.”

Sustainable Population Australia, which has about 1300 members, is so worried about climate change it is preparing a formal submission to the United Nations.

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