Elon Musk Agrees That Global Population Already 'Collapsed,' Sparking Debate if Feminism is Also Among the Causes

Has the global population already collapsed? Elon Musk thinks so, sparking fierce debate about birth rates and the future of civilisation.

The Tesla and SpaceX boss made the claim on X (formerly Twitter), after reposting a message that read: 'The population isnt "collapsing." It has collapsed.' Musk added: 'I have been warning about this since the turn of the century.'

His remarks have ignited a storm of reactions online, with experts, fans and critics clashing over whether humanity is truly facing a demographic crisis.

According to the Times of India, Musk has repeatedly described falling fertility as the greatest threat to civilisation, warning that shrinking populations could undermine economies, overwhelm social systems and ultimately lead to collapse.

Musk Rejects Overpopulation Fears

Musk has long pushed back against the idea that overpopulation is a global threat. He once described it as 'the most nihilistic lie ever told.' Instead, he argues that plummeting birth rates in many countries pose a far greater danger to humanity's future.

Japan, for example, lost more than 900,000 people in 2024, while South Korea's fertility rate plunged to just 0.72 in 2023, the lowest in the world.

Musk warns that without urgent action to raise fertility, such as tax incentives for families and improved parental leave, modern societies could struggle to survive.

He has also suggested that artificial intelligence could help soften the economic blow of a shrinking workforce, although he stresses that technology cannot replace human families.

Musk has personally invested in fertility research and spoken openly about expanding his own family through surrogacy, positioning himself as both a critic of population decline and an advocate for solutions.

Is Feminism Behind Falling Birth Rates?

Musk's repost on X triggered heated debate online, with some users blaming feminism and modern social values for falling fertility rates.

Critics linked cultural shifts such as declining marriage rates, abortion access, women prioritising careers and men avoiding relationships to the population downturn.

However, many experts argue this view oversimplifies a complex issue. Economists highlight soaring housing prices, childcare costs and education expenses as major barriers to family formation. They note that demographic changes reflect a mix of economic pressures and cultural transformations, not just shifting gender roles.

The Numbers Behind Global Decline

While Musk claims collapse is already here, global data paints a more nuanced picture. The worldwide crude birth rate has plummeted over the past seven decades, from 37.8 births per 1,000 people in 1950 to a projected 14.6 per 1,000 by 2050.

The US recorded its lowest fertility rate in over 40 years in 2023, well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. United Nations forecasts suggest the world's population will peak at around 10.3 billion in 2084 before entering gradual decline.

Some countries face steeper drops than others. China could shrink to just 633 million people by 2100, while Eastern Europe may see population cuts of up to 50 percent. In contrast, parts of Africa are expected to keep growing, creating uneven demographic pressures worldwide.

What a Population Collapse Could Mean

Experts warn that a sustained fall in population could have dramatic consequences for economies and societies. With fewer workers and consumers, countries may face labour shortages, slower growth and rising costs. Pension systems and healthcare programmes could buckle under the strain of ageing populations.

Declining enrolment may force schools to shut, while housing demand could shrink in some regions. Governments might raise retirement ages and scale back social benefits to cope. Younger generations could end up shouldering heavier financial and caregiving burdens for their elders.

Without reforms in fertility policy, immigration or productivity, nations risk what Musk describes as 'uncharted waters.' His warning highlights a growing sense of urgency among those who believe the world is entering a demographic crisis that could shape the century ahead.