A Moment of Peak Human Population?
Summary
Bloomberg's Merryn Somerset Webb explores the intriguing link between declining fertility rates and the increasing presence of robots in nations, shedding light on this significant societal trend during a recent subscriber event.
Key Insights
What is the replacement-level fertility rate, and why is it significant for population stability?
The replacement-level fertility rate is 2.1 births per woman, the level needed to maintain a stable population over time without migration. Global fertility has declined to 2.2 in 2024, approaching this threshold and risking population decline with impacts on economic growth and aging societies.
Sources:
[1]
How are declining fertility rates linked to the rise of robots in society?
As fertility rates fall below replacement levels in many nations, leading to shrinking workforces and aging populations, countries are increasingly turning to robots and automation to fill labor gaps, support economic productivity, and address challenges like rising healthcare costs.