TRIGGERnometry The Depopulation Bomb: Stephen J. Shaw
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Jun 25, 2023 
Stephen J. Shaw, a data scientist and demographer known for his documentary 'Birthgap - Childless World,' discusses the paradox of declining birth rates amid claims of overall population growth. He explores societal pressures on parenthood, the impact of economic factors on family planning, and misconceptions surrounding fertility. Shaw emphasizes the urgency of early family planning, critiques solutions like egg freezing, and highlights Japan's aging crisis. His insights reveal profound implications for the future workforce and societal structures.
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Population Growth Misconception
- The world's population is still growing due to increased lifespans, not higher birth rates.
- The total number of babies born annually has been declining since 2014.
Unplanned Childlessness
- The primary reason for declining birth rates is unplanned childlessness, not a conscious choice to forgo parenthood.
- This often stems from delaying parenthood for economic or career reasons, combined with declining fertility.
Tokyo Bar Observation
- Shaw observed a lower than expected number of only children in Japan, leading him to research childlessness.
- This observation, made in a Tokyo bar, sparked his research into the declining birth rate.