社交英語(yǔ)口語(yǔ)視頻(中級(jí)) 58 A Low Birthrate

　　Mina

　　Did you know that Korea has the lowest total fertility rate in the world?

　　Mina

　　Actually it's not that big of a surprise.

　　Mina

　　The number of only children is growing rapidly,...

　　Mina

　　...and even worse, more and more married couples aren't willing to have any children.

　　Mina

　　I heard the lowest total fertility rate recorded so far was something like 1.17.

　　Mina

　　Why do you think such a social trend occurs?

　　Mina

　　I've never thought that as a major concern.

　　Mina

　　Come to think of it, now I realize that we should take some action.

　　Mina

　　As things stand, Korea will be losing a significant number of its population per year, don't you think?

　　Mina

　　Think about it, the number of newly born babies could continue to decline in the future...

　　Mina

　　...and the population growth will be forecasted to record a negative growth.

　　Mina

　　I guess it's happening because of the depressed economy,...

　　Mina

　　...unemployment and couples both having to work for a living.

　　Mina

　　So the government suggests new plans to encourage Korean women to make more babies,...

　　Mina

　　...including offering incentives, maternity and paternity support,...

　　Mina

　　...pension contributions, and other social welfare - related payments.

　　Mina

　　I hope the new rules imposed deliver positive consequences.

　　Mina

　　So do I.

　　Mina

　　I really hope the Korean government can solve this problem effectively.

　　Mina

　　Again, a low birth rate is a very serious problem not only in Korea but in many countries.

　　Mina

　　If the Korean government can solve this problem, the future of Korea will be very bright.

　　Mina

　　I think the human resource is the most crucial factor in our society.

　　Mina

　　Therefore, we should all try and do something together.