Elon Musk says Netherlands will ‘die out by its own hand’
From Fortune:
Elon Musk recently engaged in a discussion with the Netherlands’ far-right Prime Minister regarding the nation’s low birth rate. The exchange highlighted concerns about population decline, particularly within the context of immigration and the rise of right-wing governments. Musk has been outspoken about his concerns for underpopulation and the need for population growth to drive innovation.
The Dutch government reported that there were more deaths than births in the country for two consecutive years, contributing to a declining population. The current fertility rate is below the replacement level, leading to an aging population. Population growth has been driven by immigration, but this has also fueled the rise of right-wing governments, which are opposing immigration for various reasons.
The global average fertility rate has decreased significantly over the last 50 years, posing potential challenges for countries to care for their elderly and sustain economic growth. Musk has expressed concern about this “underpopulation crisis” and has been a vocal advocate for addressing falling birth rates. However, there are conflicting perspectives on whether population growth is beneficial for society.
Musk’s involvement in discussions surrounding population decline and immigration has sparked debate about the impact of these trends on global demographics and society as a whole. Notably, his viewpoints have coincided with the rise of right-wing political movements that are pushing back against immigration and promoting traditional culture.
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