Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Inc., has raised serious concerns about a looming population collapse in the European Union, citing declining birth rates. Responding to a news update highlighting the EU’s fertility crisis, Musk stated on X, “Birth rates continue to plummet. Population collapse is a certainty.”
The report cited by Musk revealed that the EU’s live births fell below 4 million for the first time since 1960, with only 3.88 million babies born in 2022. This marks a significant decline from the 5.1 million births recorded in 1990. The EU’s average fertility rate has dropped to 1.46, well below the global average of 2.27. Countries with particularly low fertility rates include Malta (1.08), Spain (1.16), Italy (1.24), Greece (1.32), and Cyprus (1.37).
Musk’s warning about population collapse is not new. He has consistently voiced concerns about the impact of declining birth rates on civilization. In a previous statement, he emphasized that a collapsing birth rate is the “biggest danger civilization faces.” Musk himself has 12 children.
The declining birth rate in Europe is in line with a global trend, raising concerns among world leaders and economists. Japan, for example, is already experiencing the economic effects of a declining birth rate, with diaper manufacturers shifting their focus to the adult market. This shift highlights the broader economic implications of a shrinking younger population. Musk has also warned that the United States is heading towards extinction unless more children are born.
The declining birth rates in Europe and globally are a pressing issue with potential long-term consequences for demographics, economic stability, and social structures. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive policies and societal changes to address the challenges posed by declining fertility rates.
