A study of the Dynamic Relationship Between Optimal Global Population and Technological Progress

Abstract

It is the quantity that depends on the interconnection between population and technology, the latter being capable of advancing to support the growth of the population. Taking into consideration the findings of Malthus, Harding, and other authors, this paper elaborates on the multifaceted and developmental connection between population growth and technological advancement within the context of the optimal population. It critiques the fallacy that population growth will always result in the depletion of resources. This paper seeks to establish the fact that a large enough optimal population can foster the generation of a positive feedback loop of technological advancement and population expansion but, at the same time, results in vices such as pollution of the environment and depletion of resources. In contrast, the population can increase the market needs, encourage the advancement of renewable energy sources, and decrease the energy depletion rate. Technological advancements, boosted by population pressure, have let human beings overcome perceived environmental and resource barriers. Thus, the optimal population is not the specific number but the goal that is set to change depending on the level of technology development. Lastly, this paper stresses the importance of technological equity on the international level.