NEW DELHI: Elon Musk has expressed concern over the projected global population decline, particularly in India and China, labeling it as one of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Musk’s remarks were in response to a graph shared on social media illustrating anticipated population changes from 2018 to 2100 across various countries, including India and China. The graph highlights a significant decline in these nations’ populations over the coming decades.
In his retweet, Musk affirmed the statement, “Yes,” emphasizing his agreement with the assessment that population decline poses a substantial threat to humanity. This perspective aligns with Musk’s previous statements on the issue. In 2021, he warned that declining birth rates and subsequent population decreases could be a significant risk to human civilization.
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The concerns raised by Musk echo findings from a 2020 study, which projected that both India and China would experience substantial population declines by 2100. India’s population is expected to decrease to just under 1.1 billion, while China’s is projected to fall to 731.9 million.
These demographic shifts are attributed to factors such as declining fertility rates, ageing populations, and emigration. In many countries, the average number of children per woman has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1, leading to concerns about the long-term implications for economic growth and societal stability.
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Musk’s comments have reignited discussions about the potential challenges posed by global population trends and the need for policies to address these demographic changes. As the world grapples with these issues, the perspectives of influential figures like Musk continue to shape the conversation on the future of global populations.