Elon Musk has expressed deep concern about the fall of the global population due to the continuous decline in birth rates. He notes that there is need for more people on Earth.
Although the global population is currently at almost 8 billion, Musk believes that the civilisation might 'crumble' if there is not an increase in the number of births globally. The Lancet predicts that the global population will reach 9.7 billion in 2064 and then fall to 8.8 billion by 2100.
If the prediction proves correct, it will be the first time in centuries that the total number of people on Earth sees a decrease.
Many embrace the global population decline highlighting the positive outcomes in using less natural resources, but Musk warns that this may be destructive.
He notes:
"There are not enough people. I can't emphasise this enough, there are not enough people. I think one of the biggest risks to civilisation is the low grow rate and the rapidly-declining grow rate. And yet so many people - including smart people - think there are too many people in the world and think the population is growing out of control. It's completely the opposite. Please look at the numbers, if people don't have more children, civilization is going to crumble. Mark my words."
The study from the Lancet highlights that 'improvements in access to modern contraception and the education of girls and women' is a cause for a drop in fertility rates. Stein Emil Vollset, the author of the study, told IFL Science:
"The global total fertility rate is predicted to steadily decline, from 2.37 in 2017 to 1.66 in 2100, well below the minimum rate (2.1 live births per woman) considered necessary to maintain population numbers."
Musk said of having 6 children:
"I'm trying to set a good example. I'm trying to practice what I preach."
[Based on reporting by: Ladbible]
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