China is looking at an insane measure: paying people to have more children.

Yes, this would assuage a temporary economic problem — but it would make all the long-term environmental problems worse. There are other ways to take care of the old people. Those that are healthy could continue working. Meanwhile, automation could leave many working-age people without jobs; jobs taking care of the old and infirm would be welcome. The state could give money to people that take care of their aged parents.