Elon Musk has highlighted concerns about global population decline through a recent post on X, referring to it as humanity’s greatest threat. A graph illustrates expected declines, particularly in India and China, with profound implications for global demographics. Experts attribute this trend to declining fertility rates and shifting demographics, urging attention to the socio-economic consequences of such changes.
Elon Musk has expressed serious concerns regarding a significant decline in global population. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted projections depicting this trend among major countries, including India and China, while also noting changes in the populations of Nigeria, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan from 2018 to 2100. He retweeted a statement declaring that population collapse represents humanity’s greatest threat, affirming his agreement with a simple “Yes.”
Population decline, recognized by experts for some time, results from factors such as decreasing fertility rates, emigration, and aging demographics. In England and Wales, the average children per woman fell to a historical low of 1.44 in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics. On a global scale, fertility rates have diminished significantly, from an average of 5.3 children in 1963 to under 2.5 today, as reported by the Daily Express.
A projection graph reveals stark differences in the population trajectories of India and China, where both nations had similar populations of approximately 1.5 billion in 2018. By 2100, India is expected to see a decline to roughly 1.1 billion, a reduction of about 400 million, whereas China’s population might fall to 731.9 million, a decline of 731 million. This shift would position Nigeria as the second most populous nation by century’s end with an estimated population of 790.1 million.
Research from the University of Washington in 2020 indicated that the population drop in China and India might be more pronounced than previously believed. Although the United States has fertility rates below the replacement level, it is projected to remain stable through net migration. Canada and Australia might also maintain population stability for similar reasons.
Countries like Indonesia and Pakistan could experience slight declines, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia are expected to outpace them in population growth by 2100. Elon Musk continues to be a vocal proponent of addressing the impending threat posed by declining global populations, noting the likelihood of population collapse in the near future.
The global population is facing a decline due to several factors including aging populations, low fertility rates, and significant emigration. This demographic shift poses potential socio-economic challenges and has elicited concerns from various experts and public figures. The United Nations has projected future population trends, showing significant changes in populous nations and raising alarms about potential consequences if these trends continue. Current fertility rates in many countries are below replacement level, triggering further worries about sustainability and population stability.
In conclusion, the growing acknowledgment of a potential global population decline highlights significant challenges ahead. As evident from projections provided by experts, both India and China’s populations are expected to decrease substantially over the next few decades, raising critical concerns regarding economic viability and societal structure. Key figures such as Elon Musk emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue, advocating for heightened awareness and action against the looming threat of population collapse.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
