Population Control: Is This How Many People Should Be Alive?
With Brett Hall
Is the world overcrowded? My guest, Brett Hall, Public educator, technical advisor and host of ToKCast, argues that the world is not overpopulated—more people fuel creativity, spark innovative solutions, strengthen economies, and pave the way for progress. He sees a growing population as humanity’s greatest asset.
I counter that more people stretch resources thin, ignite geopolitical tensions, and jeopardize nature’s delicate balance. With fewer of us, couldn’t we tackle problems more effectively (e.g., imagine solving the Israeli Palestinian problem if only 20 people lived in the region)? Or do complex challenges demand more minds working together?
Ultimately, we found some common ground: solving problems starts with a moral compass. Scientific knowledge without ethical scrutiny points society in a random direction. A society that rejects anti-rational ideas, dismisses degrowth dogma, and champions open inquiry could unleash human potential. This debate didn’t settle the question, but it left me rethinking my views on overpopulation.
In localized, specific contexts, yes, "more people" is often best....BUT, for an overall, planet-wide population? As of 2025, I'd say we have somewhere between 1, and 4 or 5 billion useless eaters. Harsh truth, but also a reality that demands serious consideration....Those Georgia Guide Stones weren't intended ONLY to generate conspiracy-theories....
I think about the growth degrowth the way I think about abortion. The value of autonomy should reign supreme. Late term abortion is murder of sorts but sometimes necessary. Local communities should also have some control over growth and expansion. There won't be sufficient protection for autonomous communities if they aren't allowed to establish some limits to growth.