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population-control-through-prosperity

The concept that stabilizing population growth requires raising the global standard of living, which in turn demands increased productivity and energy use.

1 chapter across 1 book

The High Road (1981)Ben Bova

Pages 1–26

The chapter argues that humanity must expand into space to address critical global challenges such as energy scarcity, environmental degradation, and overpopulation, emphasizing that raising global living standards is essential for population stabilization. It critiques the decline of the U.S. space program post-Apollo, highlighting missed opportunities to build permanent space infrastructure and the resulting stagnation amid worsening economic and social conditions. The chapter frames space exploration as a universal human endeavor and urgent long-term vision necessary to avoid civilizational collapse and secure a sustainable future.