fertility is NOT a measure of happiness
Also the idea of a replacement rate of 1 equals rapidly going extinct is mathematically illiterate. Exponentials work both ways - in growth and decay - ie let's say the population halves every generation ~ 25 years - it would take nearly 1000 years to reach near zero - as half of half is a smaller absolute reduction each time.
Depending on distribution, the rate might accelerate as it becomes difficult to find viable partners. You'd also experience civilisation collapse at a much earlier stage, as we've seen how COVID affected supply chains and created a new push for regional independence and de-globalisation.
Lower numbers of people in the world reduces the chances of that.
Birth rates are much easier to reverse than climate change - it's a really odd thing to focus on.
Area's of the world where birth rate is still high tend to be in poorly developed regions where human labour is required to survive.
However, in developed countries - the idea that we need the same or more people to maintain civilisation when the means of production is being increasingly automated doesn't make sense.
As an example ~100 years ago in Europe you were looking at nearly 50% of the population being involved in food production, whereas now it's about 5% - and that includes a 50% increase in the population to feed.
Note the EU is a net food exporter - even if it does import bananas.
Congratulations, I suppose?
ie a replacement rate of 1 isn't some immediate existential threat, and that making arguments like 'species aren't happy' is completely specious ( sic ).
If you want a wider argument - then the reality is the birth rate is dropping because when women have the choice ( via birth control and increased socio-economic independence ) they are largely choosing to have less children. So by definition, given it's a choice - women are happier.
The second bit is speculation on motive - which is why I didn't bother the first time - but in my view, those that push an argument that there is a fertility/species crisis ( using specious arguments like the above ) - who say women aren't really happy with their choice etc - is all about subjugating women to baby making machines to satisfy the ego of people like Musk. Whether the original poster has that motivation or has just fallen for the "species crisis" ( or even worse 'race' crisis ) rubbish - I have no idea - I didn't want to assume the worse.
If the suicide rate rapidly increases, will you also say they are largely choosing to have less life?
Nothing to see here, just choices.
> So by definition, given it's a choice - women are happier.
So by definition, given it's a choice, people who commit suicide are happier.
How do you explain that?
Sure having children is still a protective factor, but the highest risk is amongst those that wanted children but couldn't, rather than those that choose.
You seem to equate birth rate with happiness, but ignore efficacy and availability of modern contraception.
Yes.
> If not, why couldn't they be happy at the same time?
The same reason you can't be happy if I stick a fork in your eyeball.
You'll get back to a similar 'happiness' baseline after a while but we can all agree you would've been better off with 2 eyeballs. If you go 'well, akshually' as you are doing now, I'll stick a second fork in your remaining eyeball.
If you mind me sticking forks in your eyeballs, you should also mind society that makes people not have children.
Whatever 'well, akshually' you invent - it's deeply unconvincing.