JULY 11 was World Population Day and Sir David Attenborough, patron of the Optimum Population Trust has wisely counselled that the world population should not be allowed to grow to 9 billion by 2020.

The population should not exceed the present figure of 6 billion.

Countries in the developing world should only be given aid providing they can give evidence of a sensible, suitable plan to restrain population growth.

Wildlife is threatened. The Earth’s resources are threatened. The activities of Geldof, Bono, though morally laudable are an inexcusable economic tragedy.

Their efforts to save millions of starving Ethiopians has resulted in many more starving Ethiopians.

Sustainability should be the key word and if a country cannot sustain its population then that population must be encouraged to maintain, and if necessary, reduce its numbers. Birth control is a non-expensive and efficient means to achieve sensible aims.

Why do world leaders baulk at insisting upon a common sense approach to this most pressing problem?

Kevin Lynch

Westwood Heath Road,