E70: Population Collapse: The Looming Crisis

Darrell Bricker, co-author of Empty Planet, explains why global population decline—not overpopulation—is the defining issue of the 21st century and what it means for cities, economies, and politics.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Darrell Bricker is the Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading public opinion research firm, and co-author of Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline. A seasoned demographer and political analyst, Bricker has traveled the world studying population trends and their cultural, economic, and political consequences.

Topics Discussed:

• The global fertility decline and future population collapse
• Why overpopulation fears are outdated and misleading
• Cultural vs. economic drivers of fertility decisions
• Challenges facing aging societies (Japan, China, Russia)
• Urban planning misaligned with demographic reality
• The economic risks of fewer consumers and tax contributors
• The failure of pro-natalist policies
• Geopolitical implications of shrinking, aging populations
• How cities, businesses, and investors should adapt

Top 3 Quotes:

• “Robots don’t buy cars.”
• “The real issue we’re dealing with here is culture—not just money.”
• “Take a look at your own family—how many kids did your grandparents have? How many do your kids plan to have? That’s the story.”

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