Win-Win with Liv Boeree #44 - Dean Spears - Population Decline Is Worse Than You Think
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Jul 10, 2025 In this engaging discussion, demographer and economist Dean Spears, author of "After The Spike," tackles the pressing issue of declining birth rates. He uncovers the surprising factors influencing family planning, including social trends and economic pressures. With insights on how fewer people might not ease environmental burdens, he proposes innovative solutions to balance parenthood and career aspirations. Spears also delves into the implications of a heavily elderly population and the necessity for societal shifts to support growing families.
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Global Population Decline Reality
- The global birth rate is below replacement, causing a projected population peak mid-century followed by decline.
- Population size can shrink as fast as it grew, with no built-in mechanism to reverse this trend.
No Single Cause for Fertility Drop
- Falling fertility globally isn't explained by simple causes like capitalism, religion decline, or female workforce participation alone.
- It appears as a convergent phenomenon influenced by many overlapping societal factors and rising opportunity costs.
Population Size Isn't Environmental Panacea
- Reducing population size alone doesn't solve environmental problems; effective policies and behavior changes do.
- Past improvements like fixing ozone depletion and pollution were achieved by regulation and technology, not shrinking populations.
