This episode explores the racist history behind the myth of overpopulation and how it has been used to justify xenophobia and imperialism. The speaker argues that the real problem is not overpopulation, but rather unequal distribution of resources.
The speaker unpacks the misconceptions perpetuated by Paul Ehrlich's book 'The Population Bomb' and exposes flaws in the reasoning of some environmentalists in the 1970s regarding urbanization and resource consumption.
The benefits of living in smaller spaces in cities include reducing the cost and environmental impact of heating and cooling empty rooms, as well as the option to contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Rich countries have been transferring food aid programs to poorer countries since World War II.