Auckland Deep Thinkers

The “population bomb”—once a ticking timepiece of global doom, now more of a cautionary relic than a prophecy fulfilled.

🔍 Origins of the Alarm
The term comes from The Population Bomb, a 1968 book by Paul and Anne Ehrlich. It predicted mass starvation, societal collapse, and environmental ruin due to unchecked population growth. The opening line was famously grim: “The battle to feed all of humanity is over.” The Ehrlichs forecast hundreds of millions would starve in the 1970s unless drastic population control measures were taken.

📉 What Actually Happened
Instead of catastrophe, the world saw:

• Food production outpacing population growth thanks to innovations like the Green Revolution
• Declining fertility rates in most regions, especially in developed countries
• Improved living standards and reductions in poverty across many parts of the globe

The global population did surge—from 3 billion in 1960 to over 8 billion today—but the dire predictions didn’t materialize. Famines occurred, but not on the scale or for the reasons the Ehrlichs anticipated.

🌍 The New Challenge: Shrinking Populations
Now, many countries face the opposite problem:

• Sub-replacement fertility rates in places like Japan, Italy, and South Korea
• Aging populations straining healthcare and pension systems
• Economic stagnation in regions with declining youth populations

🧠 So, Was the Bomb Defused or Misdiagnosed?
Critics say the Ehrlichs were alarmist and wrong. The authors, however, argue their book succeeded in raising awareness about environmental limits and human impact. In hindsight, the “bomb” didn’t explode—but it did spark decades of debate on sustainability, development, and demographic futures.

The Free Speech Union presents Helen Joyce.

Helen Joyce is an acclaimed author, journalist, and campaigner known for her work on issues of sex, gender, and public policy. This is a rare opportunity to hear her speak in person, engage with her ideas, and take part in a meaningful conversation.