Summary
The world population has grown from about 2 billion to 8 billion in the last century, while the average number of children born per woman has decreased. Economists Michael Geruso and Dean Spears worry about a potential future drop in population, which they discuss in their upcoming book. They believe this population decline could have significant impacts.
Key Facts
- The world's population increased from around 2 billion to 8 billion over the past 100 years.
- The average number of children born to each woman, known as fertility rate, has been decreasing.
- Economists Michael Geruso and Dean Spears have written a book called "After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People."
- They raise concerns about a possible future decline in population numbers.
- The economists believe a population decline could have major consequences.
- The discussion is featured in an episode of the NPR show "The Indicator from Planet Money."
