Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual and a father of 12, is raising awareness about what he sees as a significant threat to civilization: a global population collapse due to low birth rates. Musk, who has often used his platform to discuss social and environmental issues, believes the potential for a declining population is a risk greater than even climate change. “Population collapse due to low birthrates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. (And I do think global warming is a major risk),” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) in 2022.
To counter this trend, Musk has been outspoken about his belief that more people should become parents, ideally raising families with three or more children. He humorously cited a shift in consumer trends to underscore his point, stating, “Sales of adult diapers should never exceed sales of baby diapers!”
Global population trends show slower growth, potential decline
Despite Musk’s warnings, global population numbers remain on the rise. According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to approach 8.2 billion by 2024 and reach around 10.3 billion within the next 60 years. However, the same data suggests that it may stabilize or modestly decline to about 10.2 billion, underscoring concerns that some regions, particularly developed countries, may see significant declines in birth rates over time.
Personal efforts by Musk to boost birth rates
Musk’s efforts to encourage population growth have reportedly gone beyond public calls for higher birth rates. In a report by The New York Times, Musk has offered his sperm to friends and acquaintances as a means of supporting couples struggling with conception. The report mentioned an offer made to former independent vice presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan, though Shanahan reportedly declined.
His proactive stance has even extended to acquaintances he’s met casually. According to the Times, during a dinner hosted by a Silicon Valley executive, Musk offered his assistance to a couple facing fertility issues—a move he framed as part of his mission to mitigate population decline. Musk has previously called low birth rates “a national emergency.”
Public response and social media reactions
Musk’s outspoken approach on social media has garnered mixed reactions. Recently, he attracted attention for his exchange with pop star Taylor Swift after she referenced a 2021 comment by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, who humorously called Democrats “a bunch of childless cat ladies.” Musk responded to Swift with his own lighthearted remark, saying, “Fine Taylor… you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.” While some of his fans found the interaction amusing, others on X found it “creepy” and “weird,” sparking a fresh wave of debate around Musk’s unconventional approach to raising awareness on population decline.
