The solution lies in some sort of paradox. There's a need for a change in behavior for both systems, the economic and the individual. Unless there's actually something that makes take the step to make things different, the economy will go as society. The perfect self-replicating machine.
I think I've so many times that we are on stage of "progress" where we could be working less and living better, but the economy does not let us. The thought of having others live a life without having to run around for their needs is such a despicable thought.
The population in China had a decrease, but it's still over 1 billion people in that country. Let's see what else happens and if the decrease in world population brings something good.
Yes. The incentive to change and the will to create the incentives for change.
The number in China will be less important in the coming years, than the demographic of the population. It is going to be quite bad for them, unless something is done to support the elderly.
Maybe we could see the beginning of Soylent Green. I think the Chinese have the means to do such a thing plus the palate for weird stuff. One can only wonder if they haven't started already.
The incentives for change should be something that drives human greed towards the right direction. It seems only greed matters in the short term. Anything trying to get some changes done should appeal to that.