Can population decline help address climate change?

By Megan Lim,

Tinbete Ermyas, Sarah McCammon

Published August 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM EDT

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with economist and demographer Dean Spears about why he thinks depopulation isn't the answer to the global climate crisis.

Megan Lim

Tinbete Ermyas

Sarah McCammon

Sarah McCammon is a National Correspondent covering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for NPR. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion and reproductive rights, and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news magazines, podcasts and special coverage.

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