The Good Fight Dean Spears & Michael Geruso on Why We Need More People
Jul 5, 2025
Dean Spears, an economist and demographer specializing in population dynamics, and Michael Geruso, an economist focused on population and innovation, share their insights on the paradox of population growth. They discuss how a larger populace can drive innovation and enhance living standards, debunking the myth that fewer people equates to better environmental health. The conversation also highlights the challenges posed by an aging population and the need for collaborative solutions to avoid the pitfalls of depopulation.
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Depopulation: The Real Concern
- Global depopulation is likely within decades, reversing centuries of population growth.\n- Depopulation won't solve climate change or global poverty, and will reduce scientific and social progress.
Why Population Will Shrink
- Population grew due to better child survival, not higher birth rates.\n- Today, two-thirds of people live in countries with below replacement fertility, leading to shrinking populations.
Education Drives Birth Rates Down
- Female secondary education correlates strongly with declining birth rates.\n- Sub-Saharan Africa's education rise is expected to lower birth rates, following global trends.
