The tipping point: what happens when deaths outnumber births?

rwmj 19 points 12 comments May 12, 2026
www.theguardian.com · View on Hacker News

Discussion Highlights (4 comments)

lotsofpulp

I like how there is a decline in the total fertility rate from 2012 to 2023, and the ONS decides to assume the decline will stop and the TFR will plateau starting 2026.

bayarearefugee

These demographic trends, in the west at least, will continue until we solve wealth inequality which we seemingly aren't going to do until there is eventually violent revolt.

sharts

That planet will improve

garethsprice

Had a peek at Morland's book on Amazon and the headlines he pulls at the top of Chapter 1 for the impact of falling fertility on society: 'Russia running out of "single-use" soldiers; 'UK running low on fuel, truck drivers'; 'China's factories are wrestling with labor shortages'. Are we supposed to feel bad that people aren't rushing to birth the next generation of cannon fodder, truck drivers, or work in factories for 60-70 hours a week? Are these roles that Morland would have his own children fill, or just other people's? Genuinely bizarre choice of headlines to present a pro-natal argument with. Did he not read the actual book? Bad editor? AI slop?

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