The Coming Population Crash: and Our Planet's Surprising Future

A leading environmental writer looks at the unexpected effects—and possible benefits—of a shrinking, graying population
 
Over the last century, the world’s population quadrupled and fears of overpopulation flared, with baby booms blamed for genocide and terrorism, and overpopulation singled out as the primary factor driving global warming. Yet, surprisingly, it appears that the population explosion is past its peak—by mid-century, the world’s population will be declining for th…