Forum Network

Phillip Longman argues that, although overpopulation has long been seen as one of the most serious dangers facing the globe, just the opposite is true. Longman, a senior fellow at the New American Foundation and author of The Next Progressive Era, explains that, as countries get richer, their populations age and birthrates plummet. This is not just a problem of rich countries: the developing world is also aging fast. Falling birthrates do bring short term benefits, but also present tremendous challenges to a global economic system premised on continuous population growth. Longman talks about the population implosion and how we can help families and the world build a sustainable future.

This program is presented in collaboration with the Old South Meeting House as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue Series.