Are we on the brink of population collapse? Some economists and tech billionaires (like Elon Musk) think so. As noted in a recent NY Times article about Peak Population, birth rates are declining, and some argue an aging population could strain social services and hurt the economy. (On the other hand, some say, slower population growth could be more sustainable for our environment.) Whichever argument you sympathize with, here's a key thing to understand about this trend: Demographers predicted it. In fact, they've been expecting for years. Their advice? Don’t freak out. Here’s what changing demographics might mean for our planet and the future.

Please note: In this episode, we're using the word "woman" as shorthand for “people who ovulate.” But it’s important to note that some women don’t ovulate, have XX chromosomes, or a uterus — whether they’re queer, intersex, and, or, have a condition that affects their reproductive traits.

*****
PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: http://to.pbs.org/DonateORIG

*****

Curious about the future? With the help of a diverse cast of innovators, researchers, and dreamers, FAR OUT explores the future of humanity on this big, messy planet called Earth -- and maybe beyond!

Hosted by futurist Sinéad Bovell, Far Out invites viewers to get informed about what’s to come. The series is produced for PBS by PBS North Carolina, the team behind the award-winning PBS series Overview.

#animal #communication #FarOutPBS

Subscribe to PBS Terra so you never miss an episode! https://bit.ly/3mOfd77

And keep up with Far Out and PBS Terra on:
Facebook:   / pbsdigitalstudios  
Twitter:   / pbsds  
Instagram:   / pbsds