The Dissenter

#1062 Nandita Bajaj: We Have an Overpopulation Problem

Feb 21, 2025
Guest
Nandita Bajaj
Nandita Bajaj, Executive Director of Population Balance and a senior lecturer at Antioch University, dives deep into the pressing issue of overpopulation. She explores the historical context and ecological implications of human expansion, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth. The conversation also tackles the societal pressures of pronatalism and its impact on women's reproductive rights. Additionally, Nandita challenges the misconception that higher birth rates are necessary to support aging populations, advocating instead for a focus on elder care.
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INSIGHT

Overpopulation and Ecological Overshoot

  • Human population has exploded in the last 200 years, unlike any other species.
  • This explosion has led to ecological overshoot, where we demand more from Earth than is sustainable.
INSIGHT

Drivers of Birth Rates and Population Growth

  • Birth rates are driven by factors like pronatalism and access to technology and resources.
  • Advances in technology and medicine contribute to longer lifespans and population growth.
INSIGHT

Childlessness and Fertility Rates

  • Declining fertility rates are a global trend due to increased reproductive autonomy and education for girls and women.
  • Childlessness is not the primary cause of declining fertility rates, contrary to some claims.
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