The Overpopulation Project
TOP – Research and Outreach
Too many people consuming too much
The views and opinions expressed in guest blog posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Overpopulation Project.
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Why Project Drawdown should recommend family planning
The climate researchers at Project Drawdown didn’t always have a blind spot toward population. Their retreat means many concerned activists will remain ignorant of the most effective means to limit greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the change that’s coming. by Pernilla Hansson While consumption is a widely recognised contributor to climate change, population growth…
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World Population Day 2026 offers little cheer
11 July is World Population day, a day to reflect on demographic trends. Unfortunately, instead of renewed attention, the last year has seen the effects of slashing of funds to family planning programs in many countries where they are still needed, which will have long-lasting effects. by The Overpopulation Project World Population Day on 11…
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Swiss people bullied and gaslit into accepting endless population growth
On 14 June, the Swiss people voted on a referendum to limit the Swiss population below 10 million. With the vote landing 45.2% in favour to 54.8% against, mainstream media reported voters “overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.” The truth is more complicated, and a sad reflection on the meaning of sovereignty in today’s interconnected world. by…
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Study: Slowing population growth could do more for biodiversity than reducing consumption
Habitat loss from agricultural expansion is a leading cause of biodiversity loss. A new study published in PNAS found that reducing population growth in low-income countries would shrink future global cropland requirements more than slashing consumption in higher-income countries. by Olivia Nater, originally published by Population Connection Biodiversity loss from crop expansion Almost half of…
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Family planning pioneers: A film interview with Malcolm Potts
TOP is proud to present our second film featuring family planning pioneers. Given the contemporary trend to write family planning success stories out of history, we feel it is vital to put on the record the first-hand accounts of those who were involved. By The Overpopulation Project Malcolm Potts, who died April 2025 at the…
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Partha Dasgupta’s new book is a must read
Dasgupta is one of very few economists who pay sufficient attention to nature (the biosphere) and human numbers as key factors in a sustainable economy. Praised by both Paul Ehrlich and David Attenborough, how does he describe a sustainable economy and sustainable development? By Frank Götmark Despite being an important and original economist who emphasizes…
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A useful tool to explore future population possibilities
Our World in Data has recently published a population projection tool that readers will likely find useful. Whether the trends and possibilities it illustrates breed complacency or urgency remains to be seen. by Philip Cafaro Within the past decade, Our World in Data (OWID) has emerged as a leading purveyor of global economic, health, and…
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The role of mortality in fertility transition studies
Many of those concerned about overpopulation are encouraged by trends showing declining births per woman (TFR). However, a recent study by Skirbekk and Spoorenberg shows that taking declining death rates into account, net reproduction and hence the population growth rate have peaked later than typically reported. Most striking, in seven African countries, fertility transitions have…
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Population growth is still rapid. Has the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) forgotten family planning programs?
Projected population growth of about 2 billion in Africa and elsewhere contributes to poverty, impoverished reproductive health, and degradation of environment and climate. In a new publication in the journal Reproductive Health we argue that this unsustainable growth and the crucial role of family planning are neglected by among others the UN Population Fund. We…
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The Most Appropriate Response to Falling Birthrates? Embrace Them
Many governments are panicking over declining birthrates, but efforts to reverse the trend are ineffective and undermine reproductive freedom. Falling birthrates should instead be celebrated as a sign of increased reproductive agency among women. By Nandita Bajaj As birthrates continue to decline in many industrialized countries, anxious governments are running out of schemes to keep…
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Recent blog posts
- Why Project Drawdown should recommend family planning
- World Population Day 2026 offers little cheer
- Swiss people bullied and gaslit into accepting endless population growth
- Study: Slowing population growth could do more for biodiversity than reducing consumption
- Family planning pioneers: A film interview with Malcolm Potts
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