NEW DELHI: Tech billionaire and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk has once again sparked global conversation by retweeting a post about declining fertility rates. The tweet, originally shared by @TheRabbitHole84, highlights a striking trend: the global fertility rate has fallen from 4.9 children per woman in 1950 to just 2.3 in 2023.
Global Fertility Rate:
– 1950: 4.9 children per woman
– 2023: 2.3 children per woman pic.twitter.com/i9wVjN8LXF— The Rabbit Hole (@TheRabbitHole84) November 16, 2024
Musk, who has frequently voiced concerns about declining birth rates, amplified the data by sharing the post with his millions of followers. “If people don’t have more children, civilization will crumble. Mark my words,” Musk previously warned in 2022, a sentiment that aligns with his decision to retweet the alarming statistics.
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The decline in fertility rates is a phenomenon observed globally. Factors such as improved education, better healthcare, urbanization, and changing social norms have influenced family planning decisions. While many view this trend as progress for women’s empowerment and sustainable development, Musk has consistently argued it poses existential risks to humanity.
In a follow-up comment, Musk wrote, “The global population collapse is coming faster than people realize. We must act now to reverse this trend.”
The retweet ignited debates online, with users either supporting Musk’s concerns or offering alternative perspectives. Some shared Musk’s fear of an ageing workforce and the strain on economies, while others pointed out the benefits of lower fertility rates, including reduced pressure on environmental resources.
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One user wrote, “While Musk’s point is valid, declining fertility could lead to better resource distribution and sustainability.” Musk countered by stating, “Without enough young people to sustain the economy and care for the elderly, this is a ticking time bomb.”
Musk has repeatedly called on governments and individuals to prioritize addressing the population decline. In interviews, he has suggested incentivizing larger families through tax breaks and promoting policies that make parenthood more accessible.
By retweeting @TheRabbitHole84’s post, Musk continues to leverage his platform to highlight demographic challenges, urging governments, policymakers, and society to take the issue seriously before it’s too late.