It is 2050 and local communities all over the world are celebrating the calm and sense of reason brought about the achievement of popular population control. This is the first Festival of Paradise Regained, assuming, controversially, that once upon a time there was an ideal society. (In small communities maybe ... but no-one really complains about the title). It all began with anxiety about the imminent exhaustion of non-renewable resources and the threat of battles over them; countered by the growing mantra of Sustainability. The process of addressing these issues began with the vast majority of people at the 'grassroots', who sought advice from their trusted scientists and intellectuals who had managed to convince them through tireless debate - using enhanced communication - that there could be enough for everyone by sharing and exchanging - if optimum levels of population, however fluctuating - could be met in each geographical region. Science has produced the means of contraception, nature has ensured that every couple can have at least one child ... Rational Hope has sprung eternal and overcome the delicately personal aspect of the issue, which aspect also bestows personal power and control on each individual and couple to choose-and-do what they want to do. International conglomerates could no longer claim that their over-development met the legitimate needs of their customers and they have split into many small parts due to lack of custom.
Author: Maureen Ukairo
