[derleth]

> for most of the 90's the concern was underpopulation

Heh.

When the birth rate is much above replacement, we worry about overpopulation. AND THAT'S TERRIBLE.

When the birth rate is near or below replacement, we worry about underpopulation. AND THAT'S TERRIBLE.

It wouldn't be nearly as funny if it weren't the same people worrying each time.

[Houshalter]

Both are worrying. Overpopulation obviously has problems with dividing up natural resources among more and more people and/or trying to find jobs for them all.

But too low birth rates mean there won't be enough kids to replace the current workers, and we will have fewer people supporting a larger population of retired people (though this might be possible with technology and of course, immigration.