The Intelligence from The Economist Honey, we shrunk the kids: population fall
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Sep 16, 2025 
Join Kerian Richmond Jones, an international economics correspondent, Henry Tricks, the US technology editor, and Catherine Nixie, a culture correspondent, as they delve into the implications of a shrinking global population and its impact on society. They explore the economic challenges posed by declining birth rates and increased elder care costs. The trio also discusses the biases in AI and their connection to culture, alongside the worrying decline in literacy and its potential consequences for future generations.
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Global Population Peak Is Nearer Than Thought
- Global population is likely to peak earlier and then shrink, shifting demographics worldwide.
- Kerry Richmond Jones argues this demographic change will reshape societies but not necessarily devastate economies.
Falling Rates Can Offset Slower Growth
- Lower population will reduce growth but also push interest rates down, stabilizing debt ratios.
- Kerry Richmond Jones finds debt pressures may be less severe because falling interest costs can offset slower GDP growth.
Young Dependents Cost As Much As Retirees
- Young people are expensive due to longer education and delayed entry into work, offsetting pension costs.
- In rich countries annual state spending on under-25s can match spending on retirees.
